IOWA FALLS — For the first time this spring, the Iowa Central football team hits the road, taking on ICCAC rival Ellsworth here Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

The ninth-ranked Tritons (2-1 overall, 0-1 in league) rebounded from a loss to Iowa Western by besting the Grand View JV last Saturday, marking their third consecutive game played inside Dodger Stadium.

And while home dates are great, Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto has a preference for playing on the road.

“It just gives you fewer distractions to deal with,” Montalto said. “While this is a shorter trip, it still puts you in a good mindset heading into the game. We get ready, get on the bus and head to the field to take care of business.”

The Tritons showed no signs of being distracted last weekend, blitzing the Vikings 41-7. Quarterbacks Brady Pope and Byron Jarrett combined for four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards to total offense while Jadon Washington ran for 109 yards and a score.

Madison Ridgeway caught two TDs with Clayton Ollendieck and Jayce Levy doing the same.

Montalto knows that the offense will need to be well-prepared against a tough Ellsworth (1-2, 0-1) defense that held Iowa Western to just three points in the first quarter before getting tired, falling 54-0.

“They have a really active defensive front,” Montalto said. “They do a lot of really nice things on that side of the ball and we’ll have to be focused and ready to attack on offense. We got into a good rhythm last week and we’ve had a good week of practice getting ready for Saturday.”

After not recording a turnover, Montalto is hopeful that the defense can force Ellsworth into mistakes. The Panthers had three interceptions and lost four fumbles vs. Iowa Western.

Dylan Cain leads the defense with 16 tackles while Deonte Bryant and Tristin Waugh each have three sacks. Iowa Central has recovered six fumbles and picked off a pair of passes this season.