The ninth-ranked Iowa Central football team gets a shot at No. 1 and the defending national champions at the same time here Saturday afternoon.

Following a pair of lopsided wins to begin the season, the Tritons (2-0 overall) host top-ranked Hutchinson inside Dodger Stadium.

Kickoff is set for noon.

After blasting Central Lakes-Brainerd back in late August, 77-0, Iowa Central handled Highland on the road in Kansas this past weekend, 63-27, thanks to seven first half touchdowns.

Damarcus Creecy had three passing touchdowns in the game, Ty Purdy added two and both JeCari Patton and Tyler Smith each tossed one. Jacob Kania had a big game at receiver, hauling in three of those TDs for 96 yards, as Smith accounted for 144 yards in the air and Creecy 91.

“We feel like we have the type of kids who can make plays, we just have to be smart with our attack,” ICCC head coach Jesse Montalto said. “The weather didn’t do us any favors this week, as we couldn’t practice outside. But it did allow us to really have a couple strong days of going over assignments and protections.”

The Iowa Central defense has been excellent, allowing under 14 points and just 208 yards per game. Taylor Schaefer, Michael Lane and Michael Claycombe lead the way in tackles, as the trio have 6.5 stops for loss.

The Tritons had the Blue Dragons on the ropes last fall, leading 30-16 with just over six minutes to play before Hutchinson rallied, winning 33-30 in overtime. Current West Virginia running back and ICCC All-American Cyncir Bowers had 141 yards of total offense while Anthony Hall — who Montalto is hopeful to get back this week — ran for two touchdowns.

“Hall is going to give is a go,” Montalto said. “We got a couple key players back last week and we kept them healthy.”

Hutchinson improved to 2-0 with a thrilling 30-27 victory over second-ranked Iowa Western last Saturday, as Christian Johnson found Derrick Salley Jr. for the winning points with 61 seconds left. Salley had a pair of receiving TDs last year vs. the Tritons, including the game-tying score with 79 seconds left.

Last year, the Blue Dragons ended Iowa Western’s run on top by downing them in the national title games. They are now 4-1 all-time in matchups with the Reivers where both schools are ranked either first or second.

Johnson has completed 73 percent of his passes for 479 yards and six touchdowns, adding two more scores with his legs. Kordell Gouldsby has eight receptions while Salley has a team-high 180 yards and four scores.

On the ground, Rayvelle Leak has 105 yards rushing as four others have at least 39 yards rushing and a score.

“Salley might be the best wide receiver in the country,” Montalto said. “The quarterback is a really good football player who got some run last year during their championship season. He can make plays with his feet along with his arm.

“On defense, they are a turnover machine, so we have to take care of the football.”

Hutchinson’s defense has forced nine turnovers and recorded 16 tackles for loss.

The Blue Dragons have gone 32-3 the past three seasons and have not had a losing record since 2016.