When it comes to making headlines on a football field, the offense and defense tend to generate the majority of them.

But special teams are just as crucial to the success of a team.

And Iowa Central has a strong unit in that department to go alongside the offense and defense.

Returning kicker Colin Swygman has yet to miss a kick, Bilhal Kone is transitioning smoothly into the punter and long snapper Jase Whitner is handling the snaps. Returner Jordan Kumm brought back a punt in a recent win over the College of DuPage.

"Before our season started, Coach Montalto told me that we'd put more time into special teams during practice," Swygman said. "He would tell us to go watch an Alabama game because most of their starters also started on special teams. Along with that, each person on special teams loves football so they all want to go and make a play."

Swygman, who booted the game-winning field goal in the Graphic Edge Bowl in 2019, is 2-for-2 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra-point attempts. He also has nine touchbacks on kickoffs through two games. 

"During the offseason, I was granted access to my high school field and weight room," Swygman said. "There wasn't a day that I wasn't in there. It was also a blessing to have Jase in town all summer so we were able to get quality work in."

Kumm, another returning player from this past spring when the Tritons won a third consecutive Graphic Edge bowl alongside Swygman and Whitner, fielded a DuPage punt and took it back 53 yards. He is also part of the Iowa Central wide receiving group.

"We work on our special teams every day at practice," Kumm said. "Coach always tells us that special teams is a big momentum changer in every game, so we put extra time into our special teams."

While the punt return was special, Kumm admits there remains something special about being out on offense.

"Being a receiver, I would say a big catch would be more exciting for me, but a big punt return is right there next to it," he said. "Especially when you score the punt return because that doesn't happen as often as a receiving touchdown."

Both Swygman and Kumm are excited to remain close to home this coming weekend. The Tritons will play for the first time at home inside Dodger Stadium after making long road trips to Indiana and Illinois.

"I would say the whole team, including myself, are pretty excited about our first home game," Kumm said. "I think we are all ready to experience how home games are going to be this season with fans being there and everything."

Swygman echoed those thoughts, saying "I'm beyond excited to finally have our home opener after two weeks of traveling. I can't wait for the student body, faculty, friends, family and community there to show off what we can do in person. It's gonna be an electric environment."

Iowa Central will welcome in Gordon Fine Arts for a noon kickoff.

-By Dana Becker