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Taylor has career day for Triton football team

—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Iowa Central’s Kurt Taylor runs the ball for the Tritons inside Dodger Stadium.

The Iowa Central football team received their highest ranking in the NJCAA Top-20 this week since 2008, checking in at No. 7 after a convincing road win.

The Tritons (3-1 overall) have reeled off three consecutive victories, downing College of DuPage this past Saturday afternoon, 50-36, in Illinois.

Kurt Taylor, a transfer from Michigan, ran for a career-high 133 yards on 22 carries, scoring twice. DJ Irons added 277 yards of total offense, throwing two touchdowns and running in a third.

“Hard work is undefeated,” said Taylor, referencing a quote his dad engrained in him. “My goal is to be a great teammate and win a championship. The performance felt great and we won on the road as a team.”

Taylor, who now has 253 yards rushing on the year, gave plenty of credit to the players blocking for him in the trenches.

“I want to thank the offensive line and my coaches for believing in me,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s new head coach Jesse Montalto, and his former one, Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, both shared the same view on picking up a road victory.

“One thing I have learned from Coach Harbaugh at Michigan is, ‘You must win on the road if you ever want to become a champion,'” Taylor said. “I think playing on the road is a great thing for our team. Road trips seem to help teams come together as one.

“I love it and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Tanarious Achan hauled in seven passes for 170 yards against DuPage, with both Christian Ford and Terrell Carey catching touchdown passes. Grant Walker and Arthur Brantley added TD runs, and Rashad Witty had 131 yards from scrimmage.

Daquan Cross led the Triton defense with eight tackles and forced a fumble, Lamont Bishop and Brandt Casey each had seven tackles, and Altrell Durr picked off a pass.

Casey also recorded two sacks, with Kenny Edwards and Romello Gray picking up one sack each.

Iowa Central will get two more chances to show they can win away from Dodger Stadium, as they make the long journey west to face No. 16 Snow in Utah this Saturday night. The Tritons are also at Highland in Kansas the following weekend before returning home to meet 18th-ranked Garden City on Oct. 5.

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