CEDAR FALLS - For the second time in 2021 and the fourth consecutive time overall, the Iowa Central football team was crowned Graphic Edge Bowl champions.
The 10th-ranked Tritons knocked off No. 6 Monroe College here Sunday afternoon inside the UNI-Dome, 35-27.
Byron Jarrett finished off a 10-play, 85-yard drive that provided the game-winning points for Iowa Central (9-2 overall), who also won the Graphic Edge Bowl to finish off the spring season.
Since Jesse Montalto was hired to replace the legendary Kevin Twait, the Tritons have won four consecutive postseason games. Montalto has claimed victory in eight straight bowl games dating back to his run at Ellsworth.
Overall, this was Iowa Central's 11th consecutive win in a bowl dating back to the 2004 season. They are now 17-9 in the Graphic Edge Bowl since 1978.
"It's just a testament to these kids and what they have bought into with our program," Montalto said. "They understand what we are trying to do, they work hard and they earned this. They really earned this one."
Jarrett finished 16 of 28 passing for 206 yards and two TDs, adding 41 yards and a score on the ground. Daylen Boddie, the offensive MVP, had 20 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
Cal Weidemann caught five passes for 79 yards and a score, Izaiah Haslett had a touchdown reception and Jordan Kumm caught three passes for 56 yards.
"We knew going in it would be a great game all around, and it was," Jarrett said. "The offense started good, then we got cold in the second quarter, but we finished very strong.
"Personally, this game was amazing and this time with my guys this weekend was a perfect cap to my time here. I'm just so thankful for this opportunity from Coach Montalto, Coach (Mike) Minikwu and Coach (Justice) Clegg. They gave me the keys to the offense and my guys around me trusted me and it was a great finish."
The Tritons rode Boddie on the opening series, putting together an extended 16-play, 69-yard drive. Boddie had six carries for 31 yards during the series, with Jarrett hitting Weidemann from nine yards out for the score.
Colin Swygman, who booted through a game-winning field goal in the 2019 Graphic Edge Bowl, was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra-point attempts. Bilhal Kone averaged almost 44 yards per punt, including one that landed inside the 20.
"We really played great in all aspects of the game," Montalto said. "We had a great start to our postseason practice and it was good to see us show that in the game."
Monroe, making the trip from New York for the second time to play Iowa Central since 2018, answered the opening score with the first of four Shelton Applewhite Jr. touchdown passes. Applewhite threw for 234 yards but was sacked four times.
LaMarcus Brand, Jalen Rose-Hannah, Rashann Tompkins and Jamarii Robinson each caught TD passes, with Halim Dixon-King hauling in four balls for 96 yards. Troy Booker ran for 63 yards but the Mustangs (10-1) finished with just 51 net yards on the ground.
"Even when we had some struggles on offense in the first half, our defense stepped up," Montalto said. "We were able to make some halftime adjustments and get back on track in the second half."
The two teams combined for seven turnovers including five lost fumbles. Deante Nelson had a pick for Iowa Central with Tristin Waugh and Perry Slater removing fumbles. Garret Ollendieck had two sacks and Antoineo Harris 1.5.
Decari Randle led the Triton defense with eight tackles including two for loss.
For Jarrett and many other sophomores, this put a cap on a run that included a 15-5 record overall.
"Once I knew the game was put away, when I took that final knee and the clock hit zero," Jarrett said, "all of the memories and guys around me made it a very emotional ending."
-By Dana Becker