For the first time since capturing a second consecutive Graphic Edge Bowl, the Iowa Central football team takes to the field this Saturday against Southern-Shreveport. 

Kickoff is set for noon inside Dodger Stadium.

The sixth-ranked Tritons will play an eight-game schedule including home-and-away with ICCAC rivals Iowa Western and Ellsworth. Also on the docket are home games vs. Grand View JV and Snow with a season-ending game at Arkansas Baptist.

"We are 100 percent excited to get out on the field," Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto said. "Our kids need it and our coaches need it. We've been here for almost 10 months trying to prepare and it hasn't happened.

"We're anxious to say the least to get out there and go."

Iowa Central returns a number of key players including All-American offensive lineman Richard Rodriguez. Joining Rodriguez in the trenches will be Syracuse commit Jakbo Bradford, Anthony Berry, Trey Winters and Maximus McCree. 

Jadon Washington is back at running back after rushing for 276 yards two years ago. Newcomers Byron Jarrett and Brady Pope are at quarterback with Madison Ridgeway, Savion Johnson, Jayce Levy and Jalen Harris at wide receiver.

Clayton Ollendieck and Chance Gibbons are the starting tight ends.

The last live-action for the Tritons was a fall scrimmage. Since that time, though, a handful of players have transferred to Div. I programs.

"Basically, we are a completely different team than the fall," Montalto said. "It's going to be a test early on to see who we are as a football team. I know we'll have plenty to work on after his week moving forward."

On defense, East Carolina commit Kingston McKinstry, Romello Gray and Tristin Waugh are among the returning players with Ryan Johnson, Western Kentucky transfer Malik Occiur, Virginia transfer Major Williams, CJ Christian, Ahmond Glass, Dylan Cain, Mitch Bawek and Noah Epley expected to play key roles.

In its first season as a program, Southern-Shreveport is led by Danny Palmer. The veteran coach previously has been at Tyler along with assistant roles at Oklahoma State, Houston and several other programs. 

Willie Taylor is a Charlotte transfer who had a standout career in North Carolina as a prep quarterback before joining the Jaguars after a stop in Hutchinson. 

"They have some players that can really run," Montalto said. "We've been able to learn more about them here thanks to film exchange and other avenues. They are active on defense and play extremely hard."

-By Dana Becker