DODGE CITY, Kan. – Kevin Twait wants to put Saturday’s contest against Dodge City in his rear view mirror and move on to next week’s home opener against Ellsworth.

The Tritons (0-2 overall) traveled 570 miles and were turned away in disappointment, suffering a 45-21 loss to the eighth-ranked Conquistadors (1-1).

Iowa Central committed six turnovers – the most in Twait’s 21 seasons at the helm.

“We couldn’t hold onto the ball,” Twait said. “We need to do a much better job of avoiding those mistakes. We didn’t tackle very well and we gave up a number of big plays. There is a lot of correcting to do as we head into next week.

“We battled hard, but we gave up some home runs.”

Iowa Central got on the board first, as Dodge City fumbled a punt and Xavier Lavender fell on it in the end zone for the game’s first score.

The Conquistadors then hit paydirt on a two-play drive that ended on a wheel rout for a touchdown.

Dodge City cashed in on another Iowa Central turnover right before the half. With two minutes left in the opening frame, Iowa Central threw an interception and the Conquistadors returned it 50 yards for a TD to take a 31-7 halftime lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Tritons blocked a punt and Mike Gould ran it in for a score.

Iowa Central’s Tim Rummels ran six-yards to paydirt for the Tritons other touchdown.

“Iowa Western, Ellsworth and (the Tritons) are all 0-2,” Twait said. “The Iowa schools are on the outside looking in.

“Next week is a big one.”

Iowa Central will play its home opener Saturday against the Panthers. Kickoff is scheduled for noon inside Dodger Stadium.