By: Dana Becker

Messenger Sports Staff 

The Iowa Central football team has become a consistent contender on the national stage since Jesse Montalto's arrival.

Montalto has led the Tritons to a 37-19 record, winning five consecutive bowl games while being ranked in the Top-10 on a regular basis.

But this version that prepares to begin a sixth season as head coach is a vastly different one than any before.

"We really don't have a lot of players with experience coming back," Montalto said. "In fact, we don't return a starter.

"We've got several guys who saw playing time last year including quarterback Justin Silverstein, but for the most part, we are going to really be working through the process here."

That isn't to say Montalto isn't excited about the prospects of what is to come.

"It might be the most talented bunch of kids we have," he said. "They are all good, high quality kids who are going to be special for us. How soon that happens, though, is going to come down to how fast they pick everything up."

Silverstein split time under center last year with Zach Marker, who is currently battling for the starting job at Delaware, and Omarion Bartlett. He completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,261 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.

"Justin really has all the tools to be a special, special player," Montalto said. "He's had a really good preseason and is going to be the guy this year."

Dallas Sauser, who led Ames to the Class 5A playoffs, and Sergeant Bluff-Luton grad Tyler Smith are battling for the backup job. Sauser was second in the state in yards with 3,316 while Smith had over 1,500 yards and 14 scores.

"While Justin is the No. 1, both Dallas and Tyler are pushing hard," Montalto said. "We're very excited about the future with both of those guys."

Spencer Zinn is the lone running back returning, as he rushed for 102 yards in limited action a year ago. Harold Trainer and Mario Sanders both took redshirt seasons and are "as talented as we've had at the position."

Former Fort Dodge Senior High all-stater Javion Jondle was battling for a spot on the two-deeps before a high ankle sprain sidelined him.

"Javion has been really good," Montalto said. "We're excited about him moving forward."

The Tritons have continued to send players from the offensive line to the Div. I level while also bringing in those looking for a new home. Players from Iowa State, Northern Iowa and Western Illinois are expected to help anchor things up front alongside Jonathan Young, who is gaining Power 5 offers.

"We feel like we can be a very explosive offense," Montalto said. "We still have a lot of things to work out and learn, but we like the guys we have."

On defense, Isaiah Bruce, a transfer from Iowa, has joined the group. He was an all-state player in Illinois. Malachi Byrd and Andre Porter both saw action last year for Iowa Central.

Dan Knudsen, a transfer from Ellsworth, Mason City grad Branson Peters, who had 10 tackles last year, Kolben Miller, who had 17 and will handle punting duties, Xhavion Reese, who had 10 tackles and Miami (Ohio) transfer Marlon Dawson will fill the linebacker positions.

In the secondary, Western Illinois transfer Elijah West is looking to make an impact alongside Darrell Matchem and Southeast Polk grad Stephen Saywahn.

"The best thing about our defense is that they are creating turnovers," Montalto said. "We had two defensive touchdowns in a recent scrimmage. Our first year, we led the country in defensive touchdowns and that is something we'd like to do again."

Montalto is a perfect 9-0 in bowl games dating back to his four seasons coaching Ellsworth. He will be assisted by Mike Minikwu, Jeremy Conley, Dave Mann, Justice Clegg, Gavin Blomberg, Caleb Young, Bailey Donovan and Mike Piranio.

Iowa Central opens its season on Saturday at Independence before returning home Sept. 2 to face Garden City. The Tritons will play home games at Dodger Stadium vs. Hutchinson, Coffeyville, Butler and Highland with road dates at Ellsworth, College of DuPage, Dodge City and Iowa Western.

Last year, Iowa Western topped Hutchinson for the national title. Along with those two teams, Coffeyville, Butler and Iowa Central were ranked in the Top-10 of the final poll.