Jackson Malburg carried Armada to an historic football victory.

The junior back rushed for seven touchdowns Friday night to lead the Tigers to a 63-0 victory over Hazel Park and Armada’s first district championship.

Malburg scored six times in the first half of the Division 5 game and added his final touchdown on his only carry of the second half to help Armada extend its school record for victories in a season to 10.

“We made history,” the 5-foot-6, 160-pound Malburg said. “It feels great to be part of this.

“The line blocked great. I’m just glad I was able to help my team win.”

Malburg, who scored on a 55-yard run on Armada’s first play from scrimmage, finished with 328 yards on 10 carries. He also scored on runs of 33, 57, 23, 3, 52 and 35 yards.

“What can’t he do?” Armada coach Kyle Rowley said. “He’s a great player.

“Congratulations to him. Congratulations to everybody.”

The once-beaten Tigers play at Notre Dame Prep in a regional championship game next weekend. The Irish (9-1) advanced by defeating Corunna 56-7.

“We’re looking forward to next week,” Rowley said.

The 63 points were a playoff record for the Tigers, who have been a postseason team in each of Rowley’s five seasons as coach.Armada reached a district final in 2021 but lost to Corunna.

“It means a lot,” senior quarterback Lucas Pratt said of the district championship. “My whole family has been in Armada, playing football. The first one is great. It’s amazing.”

Malburg scored four touchdowns on his first five rushing attempts. His 57-yarder came in the final minute of the first quarter and, coupled with the third of junior Drew Rosick’s nine extra-point kicks, gave Armada a 21-0 lead.

The Tigers led 42-0 at halftime, setting up a second half that was played under a running clock.

“We came out hot,” Pratt said. “We couldn’t underestimate them. Jackson is a dog. They’re not stopping him.”

Junior Evan Kanniainen scored Armada’s eighth and ninth TDs, on runs of 11 yards in the third quarter and 62 in the fourth.

Armada made its first playoff appearance in 1986 but had to wait until 2000 for its second. The 2004 team earned the school’s only other postseason berth before Rowley arrived.

“This school has never won much of anything in football,” said Rowley, a former Hazel Park coach. “To put a district championship up there is pretty special for these kids.

“From what I’ve gathered, the kids have been here. They just needed a little direction, a little structure, maybe sometimes a kick in the you-know-what.”

Armada had never won more than eight games in a season prior to 2024.

Victory No. 9 in a playoff opener against rival Richmond last week and the win over MAC Bronze Division tri-champion Hazel Park both came on the turf field that Armada christened this fall.

“It’s special,” Rowley said. “Everybody’s really excited. The community’s really excited and supports the kids.

“We put the turf down, and we’re going to make this a great stadium (with enhancements that are still being added). Armada’s on the map. Armada has arrived, and we’re enjoying it.”

“The program’s in a great spot,” Pratt added. “I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Armada is the only Blue Water Area Conference team still alive in the playoffs.