COUNCIL BLUFFS - The sixth-ranked Iowa Central football team gets their shot at revenge this Saturday afternoon.
The Tritons take on No. 2 Iowa Western in a game with major postseason implications on the line.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. from Titan Stadium.
Back in September, it was the Reivers leaving Dodger Stadium with a 36-22 victory. Iowa Western has since knocked off then-No. 1 Snow and piled-up wins.
At the same time, Iowa Central (6-1 overall, 1-1 in ICCAC) has done the same, scoring 42, 66 and 41 points in three consecutive wins to also climb the rankings.
When all is said and done with the regular season, four teams will qualify for the NJCAA Div. I playoffs. Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto knows what a win over the Reivers would do to those chances for his team.
"On the field, our team is more confident right now," Montalto said. "Our biggest thing is trying to get the lead and make them play from behind. Not many teams have been able to do that. We had a lead on them last year and Snow beat them (in the spring) on the final play, so I want to see how they react to being behind."
The Triton offense has been firing on all cylinders this year, averaging nearly 500 yards per game and 46 points. But the defense has been just as stout since that first game with Iowa Western, allowing just 24 total points, including pitching a shutout last week at Highland.
Highland had just 125 yards of total offense and was forced to punt 10 times. Tristin Waugh had 2.5 sacks, Deante Nelson had a sack and an interception, and CJ Christian recovered a fumble.
Byron Jarrett continues to make a push for player of the year honors with 1,762 yards passing and 21 touchdowns against only three interceptions. He also has 338 yards and seven scores on the ground.
"We've got to get Byron going," Montalto said. "Getting into a rhythm on offense and finishing drives will be key."
Daylen Boddie has 439 yards rushing and three TDs, Desna Washington is averaging 80 yards per game and 22 yards per reception with nine scores, Cal Weidemann has 297 yards and four TDs, and Jordan Kumm has 21 catches for 259 yards.
The Reivers (6-0, 2-0) are coming off a 45-13 victory over Ellsworth. Nate Glantz has thrown for 1,035 yards with 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions, while Milton Sargbah has 379 yards and seven scores on the ground.
Ryan Flournoy, Michael Love and Kaden Wetjen all have at least 10 catches, 200 yards and seven total touchdowns receiving.
"We know they have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball," Montalto said. "Our defense is playing at an extremely high level right now, as is our offense."
-By Dana Becker