A simple victory won’t help the Lone Tree Lion football team (7-1 overall; 4-1 8-Man District 4) clinch a spot in the postseason. The Lions host the No. 7 Midland Eagles (7-1 overall; 5-0 8-Man District 4) tonight in a district showdown. The Eagles hold a one-game lead in the district standings over Lone Tree and the No. 10 Iowa Valley Tigers (6-2 overall; 4-1 8-Man District 4). A Lone Tree victory would force a three-way tie between the schools and the two playoff qualifiers would be decided based on points. Under the new playoff format, only the top two teams from each 8-man district qualify for the postseason. Lion head football coach Chad Shield told KCII Sports, according to his math, Lone Tree would need a 12-point victory over Midland to secure a playoff spot and a win by 14 or more points would give the Lions the district title.

Lone Tree was undefeated entering last week’s game against Iowa Valley in Marengo. The Lions, who allowed a total of 69 points in the first seven weeks, gave up 446 yards of total offense in a 62-38 loss. Injuries limited Lone Tree senior running backs Drake Hotz and Jovonte Squiers to five combined carries for 17 yards. Quarterback Trey Pierson accounted for 308 yards of total offense and five touchdowns.

Midland ranks as the top passing team in 8-man football, tallying 1,848 yards and 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Alex Martens has accounted for 1,738 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Wide receiver Connor Harms has caught 49 passes for 701 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Eagles only loss came against No. 5 Don Bosco (7-1), 52-14, in week two.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lone Tree High School.