Atlantic head coach Eric Waldstein — along with every other head football coach in Class 3A, District 8, know who Jacob Hardy is. ADM’s powerful senior defensive end and tight end has become the focal point of opposing offenses’ gameplans following his breakout junior season in 2014.

Hardy’s ability to wreak havoc in the backfield is hardly a secret anymore, but he’s off to a strong start in 2015. He will look to make an impact 7p.m. Friday night as the Tigers play host to the Atlantic Trojans in ADM’s homecoming game.

Hardy leads the team in tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (3) despite the increased attention that has been coming his way.

“Yeah, I’m getting doubled more, getting more running backs to help on me,” he said. “But I mean I take every week the same as I have been, just try to go out and do what I can to get to the quarterback, get to the running back, and just go out and have a good week.”

Lead by Hardy, ADM’s defense will try to shut down an Atlantic offense that’s scored just 41 points in three games, most recently taking one on the chin last Friday against Glenwood, 56-6.

The obvious is that yes, Atlantic will double and perhaps triple team Hardy. That’s OK to Hardy, who realizes that creates opportunities for teammates to make a play. Leading tackler Kade Overton, the middle linebacker (20 tackles, 2.5 per loss) and Hardy’s counterpart on the other side of the D-line, Logan Shield (3 tackles for loss, 1 sack), come to mind.

“Yeah, definitely. Logan Shield had a good game two weeks ago at Ballard. I think that was largely due to — obviously, he’s a good player — but I was getting doubled most plays, so I think that really helped him get free and get some sacks,” Hardy said.

The Tigers (2-1, 0-1) are seeking their first district win of the season against a Trojans team they beat last season in Atlantic, 17-7, and one that plays a contrasting style. Unlike ADM’s air-raid, spread offense, Atlantic (1-2, 0-1) features a run-oriented offense.

Note: Due to the cancellation of the Freshman football game, kickoff has been moved to 7 p.m. Tune in for our pregame coverage on K107 and raccoonvalleyradio.com at 6:30.