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Tritons thump rival Ellsworth, 63-7
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Colby Kratch had to wait a week for his first victory at Iowa Central, but the hugs from his children and wife were worth the wait on Saturday morning inside Dodger Stadium.
In his second game as the school’s head football coach, Kratch saw his Tritons (1-1 overall) bury Ellsworth (1-1) by a final score of 63-7.
"I'm really proud of the way our team played," Kratch said. "It was a total team effort, and a great response from what happened the week before."
The Tritons dominated from start to finish, even though kickoff was moved multiple times. Excessive heat moved the start up from noon to 10:30 a.m., but with inclement weather moving into the Fort Dodge area, lightning delayed that by nearly 45 minutes.
After the storm passed with no effect, it took the Tritons a while to get on the scoreboard. Once they did, the points came quickly and frequently.
Iowa Central opened the second quarter with a score six seconds in. They hit paydirt twice in a three-minute span to end the first half, then opened the third period with a touchdown.
Iowa Central reached the end zone nine times in all inside Dodger Stadium. They scored four times through the air, four on the ground and once on special teams.
"We made some adjustments after last week (a late two-point loss to No. 8 Butler at home)," Kratch said. "We just needed to simplify things and go from there.
"It was a extremely hard week of preparation with the heat, but the guys didn’t complain. They went out there and played hard."
At one point, Iowa Central scored on five straight possessions and six times in seven tries. The Tritons accumulated 510 yards of total offense, throwing for 392 and rushing for 118.
It was a big-play day in all, as seven of the nine touchdowns went for more than 20 yards. Six were over 30 yards, and three over 40.
"Our offensive line is really a tight-knit group," Kratch said. "In February, they were working out every day and learning the new system."
Quarterback Gabe McWilliams had a field day with the Panthers' defense, as the Iowa Central signal caller torched them for 278 yards on 14-for-20 passing and three touchdowns.
Back up quarterback Jakhri Patton was 4-for-4 for 111 yards and a score.
McWilliams connected with Daniel Franzen (three), Rashawd Davis (48 yards), Will Graunke (30) and TyJohn Brooks (42) for TDs. Patton's scoring strike was to Maddox Griswold (32).
"Gabe is a tough kid and a leader," Kratch said. "He is a leader in all aspects. Nobody works harder than him as far as studying film and putting in the time."
Ethan Johnson scored twice on the ground in the rout. Drew Hanks scored from 32 yards out.
Maddox Griswold returned a punt 22 yards for a score to open the fourth quarter.
The Tritons are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Kansas to face Highland. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Iowa Central won't return home until Oct. 17 vs. No. 1 Iowa Western.