As the Iowa Central football team prepares to conclude their modified spring season, they do so with great momentum.
Over the past two weeks, the 10th-ranked Tritons have scored 93 points in wins over Ellsworth and ASA Miami. Now, they get the chance to earn a third consecutive win - and third straight postseason victory - when they host No. 9 New Mexico Military in the Graphic Edge Bowl here on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.
Kickoff is set for noon.
Quarterback Byron Jarrett has directed the offensive attack with great success, throwing for almost 300 yards with four combined touchdowns in those wins.
"We are just having fun and playing hard," Jarrett said. "We got some guys who are just now making appearances and everyone is playing with a chip on their shoulder and it's fun to see."
On the year, Jarrett has 692 yards passing with 11 touchdowns to go along with 271 yards rushing and four more scores.
Down the stretch, Iowa Central has been able to insert several new faces into both the starting lineup and rotation, providing for a "try-out" ahead of the upcoming fall campaign.
"These past few weeks have definitely been a great prep for this next season to get guys ready for their potential roles and to get guys film and minutes who just haven't had the chance," Jarrett said. "It's definitely been great for the young offensive linemen who haven't seen the field a lot and get them ready to take over for the older guys parting ways with us soon."
Iowa Central is averaging almost 350 yards per game with 35 offensive touchdowns scored on the year. That includes a 394-yard performance vs. Ellsworth and 370 vs. ASA Miami.
The reward for the Tritons is a Top-10 matchup with New Mexico Military in a bowl game.
"It's very exciting," Jarrett said. "We have fought hard this season to get here. We are going to come into this game against a great opponent and it will be a very good game."
-By Dana Becker