The Atlantic Trojans will travel to Denison tonight looking for their first win of the season after an opening week loss to Clarinda 34-14. Atlantic Head Coach Eric Waldstein took away some positives from the first game of the year and thinks progress is being made.

“We’re much improved compared to where we were a year ago. And for the most part, probably 90% of the time, we are doing everything right. It’s just a matter of taking care of the little things.” Waldstein said.

Atlantic faces a Denison team that fell in week one 44-7 to Harlan.  Monarch Quarterback Brandon Brotherton was sacked 4 times in that game and Coach Waldstein said the Trojans will try to keep the pressure on him.

“Yeah that’s what we do as a defense.  We like to bring pressure and bring man coverage. Everybody that we played against last year, they know what to expect from us and that’s what your going to get is man coverage and lots of pressure.  Hopefully we are able to take advantage of some of their lack of experience on offense and make some big plays on D.” said Waldstein

Denison Head Coach Chad Van Kley thought his defense played well at times last week in short field situations and he wants them to stay disciplined this week against Atlantic.

“They have some people that played last year. They were a little young last year, they have some guys that bring experience back.  They have some athletes… that when the ball is in their hands in open space they will make some things happen…Our job is to try to contain it. We have to try to minimize their open field and really rally to the football and be disciplined in our defensive approach to them.” said Van Kley.

You can hear more from both coaches during our pregame coverage starting and 6:30pm and you can also hear an extended interview with Coach Waldstein on Trojan Preview at 4:45pm.  The Trojans and the Monarchs kick off tonight at 7:30pm on KJAN.