In fact, that carried over for much of the contest despite a 35-0 setback.

"I'm so proud of our guys," ICCC head coach Kevin Twait said. "They played their hearts out and their tails off. We are disappointed we got beat, but the game was so much closer than the score ended up being."

Garden City got on the board first midway through the second quarter, adding a late touchdown to end the first half on fourth-and-goal from inside the 2.

"We were called for a very questionable pass interference on that drive and it gave them the chance to add one more score," Twait said. "I just can't say enough about our defense. These guys laid it on the line and gave everything they had.

"We were playing without our Top-4 quarterbacks and Top-2 receivers, as we converted two slotbacks to quarterback on Thursday."

Brady Beal made his first career start for the Tritons (0-10 overall), who were plus-two in the turnover department for the day. The sophomore played some quarterback for Camanche in high school before moving to slotback for Iowa Central.

Garden City led 20-0 heading into the fourth before adding on two late scores. They improved to 9-0 with the win and have already clinched the KJCCC title.

"What really hurt us was the punt return game," Twait said. "We punted the ball very well, but we gave up over 200 yards to very talented athletes in returns that Garden City had back there. We just missed some key tackles."

Iowa Central will conclude the season Saturday vs. No. 13 Butler at Dodger Stadium at noon.