AUG 26, 2022

By:  DANA BECKER

The Messenger Sports Reporter

dbecker@messengernews.net

Zach Marker has waited patiently for his opportunity to lead the Iowa Central offense into battle.

Marker, a graduate of Norwalk, will do just that this Saturday when the 11th-ranked Tritons take on No. 10 Independence at Dodger Stadium in the season opener.

Kickoff is set for noon.

"It is a great feeling to finally have a game this Saturday and not to see a teammate across from the ball," Marker said. "The offense is what I'm most excited about. Being able to be around the system for three years is not normal at a junior college, but with COVID, it was possible.

"I feel like that has really allowed the coaches to open up the playbook."

In his previous two seasons, Marker has played in 10 games, completing 16 of 36 passes for 255 yards with three touchdowns. He is also an exceptional runner, adding 254 yards and four scores on the ground.

"He's waited his time and now is ready to go," ICCC head coach Jesse Montalto said. "Zach is a tremendous athlete and we're excited to see what he can do out there."

As a senior at Norwalk, Marker led the Warriors to a 9-2 mark, advancing to the Class 3A state quarterfinals. He threw for 1,800 yards and ran for another 1,104 with 38 combined touchdowns.

Backing up Byron Jarrett a year ago, Marker knows just what it takes to compete against the best teams in the nation.

"Being a team leader is the newest role I took on this year," he said, "and one of the toughest jobs to do in my opinion.

"No matter what you have going on while playing football or outside of football, you have to be solid and a rock for your teammates."

Iowa Central claimed another Graphic Edge Bowl title last fall, finishing 9-2. They won the last three games down the stretch and averaged over 460 yards of total offense and 42 points per game.

"I feel like this is the best we've looked going into a Week 1," Marker said. "We had spring ball and a summer program that we went through to prepare us for the year."

The Tritons will be tested early and often as they played several ranked teams, including No. 2 and rival Iowa Western in October at home.

Full article- https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/08/marker-ready-to-lead-tritons-on-gridiron/