By:  DANA BECKER

The Messenger Sports Reporter

dbecker@messengernews.net

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Special teams made an immediate impact here Saturday for the Iowa Central football team.

Elijah Graham returned a blocked punt on the first possession of the game vs. Garden City, setting the tone as the ninth-ranked Tritons rolled to a 40-21 victory.

Iowa Central (2-0 overall) scored 23 points in the first quarter, as John Holcombe and Cal Weidemann added offensive scores around a safety.

Holcombe scored his second TD of the game to make it 30-0 early in the second, with Desna Washington finding the end zone before Garden City (0-2) would get on the board.

Justin Silverstein was 8-for-18 passing for 115 yards with a touchdown, while Omarion Bartlett completed 7 of 10 for 55 yards and a score. Cayne Smith ran for 50 yards, Jadon Washington 48 and Bartlett 42 as part of an offensive that racked up over 400 yards.

Izaiah Haslett caught four passes for 67 yards to lead the receivers.

Rex Van Whye anchored the defense with 11 tackles, Demetrios Walker had two tackles for loss and Jacob Camacho picked off a pass.

No. 12 Garden City was limited to just 66 yards rushing on 23 carries and went 1-for-10 on third-down conversions.

The Tritons will play their third consecutive Kansas school this Saturday, returning to the road to meet third-ranked Hutchinson, who dominated Ellsworth, 70-7.

Full article:  https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/09/special-teams-key-for-tritons/