The fourth-seeded Knights will head to Wilmington High School for a 7 p.m. semifinal against No. 1 Farrell, the defending District 10 champion.

Farrell brings in a 7-2 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 record in Region 1 into the game while the Knights bring in a 6-4 record and a 3-2 mark in Region 3.

On paper this game would appear to be a David vs. Goliath matchup. The statistics and overall records may support that, but Eisenhower has faced adversity all season and has handled it well. From starters missing games due to injury, small roster size and the merging of players from three schools to become one team, the Knights have had their own share of success on and off the field.

“The players are excited for the opportunity to play one of the best teams in the state,” Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley said. “Whether you play them this week or next for a district title, all roads lead through them. For a lot of the guys on our team this will be the first time they have ever been to the playoffs.”

Eisenhower’s Caleb Jakubczak has rushed for 1,099 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Times Observer file photo by Steve Younger

The Steelers are a young team with talent and speed at nearly every position. The Knights will have to deal with the likes of junior quarterback Aaron Pegues, who has thrown for 1,277 yards and 14 touchdowns on 82 of 130 passing with only one interception.

The Steelers also have a potent running back in senior Jules Johnson, who has gained 1,346 yards on 130 carries, averaging 10.4 yards per carry. He has scored 19 touchdowns.

Farrell’s leading receiver is junior Dey’Mar Cain, who has hauled in 11 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Pogue’s favorite receiver is Johnson, who he has targeted 21 times for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“They have outstanding skill players. Their quarterback is one of the best athletes we will face this season. He is talented running and throwing,” Penley said. “The tailback Johnson is phenomenal. He is a very physical runner who has incredible speed and he is an excellent blocker. Their offensive line is big, athletic and talented.”

The Knights have been led offensively this season by a pair of seniors, quarterback Caleb Jakubczak and tailback Logan Penley. Jakubczak has rushed for 1,099 yards on 131 carries for an 8.4 average per attempt. He has 13 touchdowns on the ground. Penley needs only 60 yards to reach 1,000 yards on the season. The 6-foot-1 senior has 940 yards on 157 carries for a 6.8-yard average. He has 16 touchdowns on the season.

Eisenhower’s leading receiver is 6-foot-5 senior tight end Gavin Lindemuth, who has 179 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

This game will come down to the Knights being able to stop the Steelers offense. Eisenhower has proven itself to be a ball-hawking defense and is adept at creating turnovers. The Knights have 13 interceptions with Jakubczak leading the team with six. Eisenhower also has forced four fumbles. Lindemuth leads the team with five quarterback sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

Coach Penley is well aware of what his team will be facing and knows that it will take a Herculean effort by his team, but he is confident in their ability.

“The attitude that Farrell plays with is certainly at a state level. They have a phenomenal program and have had for many years,” he said. “We’ll have to play a perfect game and then some, but for an awesome group of seniors we are glad for the opportunity to play.”

Tonight’s game is being played at Wilmington High School located at 350 Wood St. in New Wilmington. There will be no tickets sold at the gate. They are available online only at www.piaadistrict10.org/d10-tickets.