-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Ethan Schultz of Iowa Central score a touchdown against Highland on Saturday inside Dodgers Stadium

After Saturday’s one-point loss at home, the explanation was simple for Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto.

“We didn’t get it done.”

The eighth-ranked Tritons (1-1 overall) couldn’t overcome a first-half blitz against No. 13 Highland (2-0), dropping a tight 14-13 contest inside Dodger Stadium.

The rivals combined for 24 first-half points, as a lone Iowa Central field goal in the second quarter was the only points after the first 15 minutes.

The Scotties ended a three-game skid against the Tritons, where they were outscored 132-33 — including a 41-13 decision on the road last year.

Both teams used a quick-strike offense in the first half, as the Tritons got on the board first. On a third down play, Ethan Schultz reached the outside edge and scored from 37 yards out.

Highland quarterback Gunnar Smith struck next. Two plays later, the transfer from Central Florida — who was also previously enrolled at South Florida — connected with Dariyonne Bryant from 66 yards out.

Iowa Central got a 32-yard field goal from Noah Gustafson to retake the lead.

The Scotties quick-strike offense answered back with a 72-yard bomb from Smith to Bryant.

As the first half was winding down, Gustafson trimmed the deficit to one with a 29-yard field goal.

Iowa Central had the ball in their hands for a chance to earn the win late. The Tritons started at their own 24-yard line and moved the ball to the Highland 40, but they couldn’t convert on fourth down.

“We wanted to give Nolan the opportunity (at the winning field goal),” Montalto said. “He is trustworthy and we would have liked to give him a chance, but we weren’t able to get it done.”

Iowa Central couldn’t thwart Highland’s big-play strikes, allowing six completions over 20 yards. The Scotties had three plays cover 40 or more yards.

“We couldn’t convert,” Montalto said. “You can’t give up that many big plays. We did.

“Highland makes you earn it.”

Smith finished 11-for-22 for 225 yards. Bryant did most of the damage with seven grabs for 214 yards.

The squads struggled to find any offensive rhythm down the stretch, as both defenses adjusted. Iowa Central accumulated just 59 yards of total offense in the final 30 minutes. Highland had only 127.

The Tritons did come up with two big plays, as Dallas Sauser blocked two field goals and the defense recorded two sacks.

“Our field goal unit came up big,” Montalto said. “Blocking those field goals at those points in the game kept us in it.”

Iowa Central struggled on third- and fourth-down conversions, going 5-for-15 on third downs and one for three on fourth.

In the first half, the Tritons had 228 yards of offense. Quarterback Trevon Taylor was 14 of 16 for 94 yards.

Cyncir Bowers carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards.

Iowa Central back in action on Saturday at Hutchinson (Kan.). Kickoff is slated for noon.

IC H

First Downs 15 12

Rushes-Yards 30-160 28-87

Passing 156 225

Comp-Att-Int 14-16-0 11-22-0

Total Offense 320 312

Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-0

Penalties-Yards 8-80 7-60

Iowa Central 10 3 0 0– 13

Highland 14 0 0 0–14

Scoring Summary

Iowa Central — Ethan Schultz (37-yard run), 12:51 left in first. Nolan Gustafson kick.

Highland — Dariyonne Bryant (66-yard pass from Gunnar Smith) 11:40 left in first. Justin Anderson kick.

Iowa Central — Gustafson (32-yard field goal) 2:56 left in first.

Highland — Bryant (72-yard catch from Smith), 1:34 left in first. Anderson kick.

Iowa Central — Gustafson (29 yard field goal), 1:08 left in second.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing — Iowa Central: Cyncir Bowers 11-54, Ethan Schultz 2-38, Tyler Smith 4-17, Adriel Fussell 3-12, Team 1(minus 13); Highland: Landyn Moore 16-58, Brice Johnson Jr. 9-39, Gunnar Smith 3(minus 10).

Passing — Iowa Central: Trevon Taylor 14-16-0-112, Tyler Smith 7-9-048. Highland: Gunnar Smith 11-22-0-225.

Receiving — Iowa Central: Cyncir Bowers 4-29, Austin Ayobamidele 3-26, Jalen Lueth 4-25, Akili Mattox 2-18, Dominick Brown 2-18, Clyde Curry 2-16, Darrion Gilliam 1-15, Jacob Kania 3-5, Anthony Hall 1-5, Ethan Schultz 2-4. Highland: Dariyonne Bryant 7-214, Javais Mcghee 1-44, Maki Williams 1-9, Jason Coma 1-1.