The Iowa Central defense has taken it to another level this fall.

Through three games, the Tritons have allowed just 34 total points to be scored against them, including only 20 over the past 10 quarters of game time. 

However, leaders such as Garret Ollendieck and Tristin Waugh realize that the task ahead of them this Sunday is the biggest to date.

No. 8 Iowa Central welcomes in fourth-ranked Iowa Western for the first of what promises to be two exciting ICCAC clashes. Kickoff is set for noon inside Dodger Stadium.

"Iowa Western is returning some key players to their team just like we have," Ollendieck said. "Stopping their offense and keeping them out of a rhythm will play a big role in the game. We must dominate on special teams and take advantage of every opportunity we have."

Ollendieck has nine tackles and three pass breakups on the year from his linebacker spot. Waugh, a returning starter like Ollendieck, has seven tackles, including one for loss.

"We'll have to keep Iowa Western one-dimensional," Waugh said. "Try to keep Nate Glantz in the pocket because he can make some big plays. We also have to limit penalities on both sides of the ball."

In the spring, these two teams met twice with the Reivers winning both. In a 34-20 victory by Iowa Western, Glantz threw for 401 yards with two touchdowns, adding another 42 yards on the ground. He followed that up with 298 yards in the air and three more scores in a 37-14 triumph.

"I'm very excited for this week and the team," Waugh said. "It's always a very big game that each team wants to win. This game will show how far we have come and see what we are really about being a Top-10 matchup."

Ollendieck echoed those thoughts, saying "Iowa Western is always an important game because they also play in the ICCAC. In order for us to achieve the goals we have as a team, beating Iowa Western is a must.

"My teammates and I understand what is at stake for this game and that really excites us as a team," Ollendieck said.

Under defensive coordinator Jeremy Conley, Iowa Central is allowing 61 yards rushing per game and 276 total, with the opposition scoring an average of 13.7 points a game. 

The Tritons opened the season with a 28-21 win over Lackawanna before besting College of DuPage, 41-14. They rolled past Gordon Fine Arts Sports Academy last week, 84-6. 

"Starting off the season with a comeback win against a Top-10 team in Lackawanna built a lot of confidence in us as a team," Ollendieck said. "Our offense and defense have been running smoothly on all cylinders with people making plays all over the field."

-By Dana Becker