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Tritons hit the field for home opener

A tall task awaits Jesse Montalto and the Iowa Central football team here Saturday.

The No. 14 Tritons welcome second-ranked Iowa Western to Dodger Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

Last season, Iowa Central (0-1 overall, 0-0 in ICCAC) put a scare into the Reivers (1-0, 0-0) in Council Bluffs, falling 26-20 after scoring 13 fourth-quarter points.

Iowa Western would go on to win the conference again and finish third in the nation. The Tritons rebounded with six consecutive victories to end 2018, including a bowl win like their rivals.

“With Iowa Western, they beat teams even before the game starts,” Montalto said. “You turn the ball over, they capitalize and that is the game.”

The Reivers opened this year with a 36-14 triumph over Coffeyville, scoring 29 points in the second half. Brian Snead, a transfer from Ohio State, ran for 105 yards and a score, with Cam Thomas throwing for 197 and two touchdowns.

Corey Reed Jr., a Louisville transfer, hauled in five passes for 68 yards and Louis Dorsey had 47 on five catches. The Iowa Western defense had six sacks, forced five turnovers and held Coffeyville to 74 yards rushing on 50 attempts.

“We have to clean up the turnovers and penalties,” Montalto said. “Those are things you just cannot have against Iowa Western.”

Iowa Central, meanwhile, opened on the road at No. 10 Butler, falling 42-10. Christian Ford provided a spark with a 97-yard kickoff return, but the offense was limited to just 235 yards and had three turnovers.

DJ Irons, a transfer from Eastern Kentucky, threw for 110 yards, with Georgia Southern transfer Grant Walker running for a team-high 34 on seven carries.

Tanarious Achan had eight receptions covering 50 yards.

“We had some good moments and chances, we just didn’t take advantage of them (vs. Butler),” Montalto said. “We knew going in it would be a tough game in a tough environment. But like I told our kids (last) Sunday night, we don’t have a bye. We have 12 straight weeks like this and that should excite them to be able to prove themselves against the best.”

The two teams are playing for the Kinney Cup, which was created for Iowa Central president Dan Kinney and his father, Iowa Western president Dan Kinney. Iowa Western has claimed each of the last 10 games in the series.

Iowa Central will also be honoring former all-region player Vinnie Harvey before kickoff on Saturday. Harvey, a St. Edmond graduate, was an all-region player for head coach Kevin Twait in 2014 and ’15. He died this past week at the age of 23.

The program will have a No. 44 jersey present in recognition of Harvey’s contributions to the school as well.

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