By: Dana Becker
Messenger Sports Staff
The Iowa Central football team got to six wins for a sixth consecutive season under head coach Jesse Montalto with a convincing 41-13 victory here Saturday over Highland.
With the win, the Tritons (6-4 overall) snapped a three-game losing skid and gave themselves momentums as they prepare for a December bowl game.
"We had a great week of practice and that is a credit to these kids," Montalto said. "They know we haven't had the kind of success we wanted during our losing streak, and we didn't play the kind of football we wanted. But we came out here from the start and really took it to a defense that hadn't been (solved) like this all year."
Highland (6-4) had recorded four shutouts over its previous six games and nobody had scored more than 38 points against them this season.
Mario Sanders, the nation's leading receiver, showed his skills on special teams, returning two kickoffs back for scores. Justin Silverstein had 151 yards passing and three total touchdowns in the first half as Iowa Central built a commanding 21-3 lead.
"Our defense played great like they have all year," Montalto said. "(Saturday) our offense finally got on a rhythm and they were firing on all cylinders with Justin leading the charge. We were able to move the ball, pick up first downs and finish drives in the end zone."
Riley Purcell caught a 13-yard pass from Silverstein to cap off an 11-play, 67-yard scoring drive to start the game in the first. After a field goal by the Scotties, the Tritons put together a six-play, 51-yard drive and an 11-play, 85-yard series that resulted in touchdowns.
Sanders started the second half off with his first kickoff return to make it 27-3 and Korbin Miller recorded a 71-yard score on a fake punt to finish off a 27-0 run for the Tritons.
Silverstein finished with 163 yards passing, Harold Trainer IV had four catches for 51 yards and Ja'Vontae Williams caught a TD. Ten different players caught a pass from Silverstein, Logan Williams and Bryce Aspengren.
"We showed what we are capable of doing when we are playing at our best," Montalto said. "The kids came out focused and wanted to get that sixth win to give ourselves a chance to get to seven in the bowl again.
"Now, we have momentum and confidence as we continue to work over these next few weeks."
Dan Knutsen, a sophomore linebacker, had a sack and an interception on back-to-back plays in the second half. Khelton Reed also recorded a sack with Jamal Spiyee picking off two passes.
Iowa Central will head to Cedar Falls and the UNI-Dome for a bowl game on Sunday, Dec. 3, against an opponent to be named.