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Before embarking on an extended road trip, the Iowa Central football team will welcome in ICCAC rival Ellsworth here Saturday to Dodger Stadium.
Kickoff has been moved up to 10:30 a.m.
The Tritons (0-1 overall) opened the Colby Kratch era last week with a heartbreaking 26-24 loss to No. 8 Butler, as the Grizzlies kicked a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
"We've had a great week of practice," Kratch said. "We've refocused and been working on shoring up the small things. I'm expecting great growth from the first game to the second."
Gabe McWilliams, making his first start, threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns, adding a third score with his legs. Kamare Williams, a Louisville transfer, caught eight passes for 174 yards and a touchdown, as TyJohn Brooks had seven receptions for 69. Will Graunke caught a TD.
After struggling through the first half on offense, Iowa Central got going just before the break, scoring points on an Anderson Trejo 43-yard field goal. That momentum continued in the third when the Tritons put up 21 points, including the go-ahead score when he found Graunke from 15 yards out.
"We are still trying to find our identity," Kratch said. "We need to find a rhythm and where we are going to hang our hat on at the end of the day. Just like myself calling the defense, it was Coach (Kyle) Goldman's first time calling the offense."
But after 14-plus scoreless minutes in the fourth, it was Butler who took advantage of a second blocked punt, kicking an 18-yard field goal by Yusef Iskandrani with 13 seconds left.
Iowa Central outgained the Grizzlies, 424-280, and committed just five penalties.
DJ Davis led the defense with eight tackles and recovered a fumble that Malachi Brown forced.
"The defense played hard," Kratch said. "Of course, there are plays you'd like to have back, but I feel proud of how we went out there on short fields and played. I'd like to see us get three turnovers, as that gives the offense more chances to score."
Ellsworth (1-1) fell to second-ranked Hutchinson last week, 76-3, after besting Minnesota West, 50-6, in the season opener.
Both Devin Holman and Izaak Johnson have over 100 yards passing, as Jaxson Drury leads the Panthers with 106 yards rushing. Pierson Rougeau has five receptions for 70 yards.
Following this game, the Tritons will not play at home again until Oct. 17 when they host No. 1 and defending national champion Iowa Western. Iowa Central plays in Kansas against Highland, Coffeyville, Dodge City and No. 12 Garden City between the two conference tilts.