For the final time this fall, the Iowa Central rugby team will compete at home.

The Tritons will welcome Arkansas State for an A-side match at Crimmins Field beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

"It's a pretty big match for us," Iowa Central head coach Brent Nelson said. "Arkansas State doesn't play a lot in the fall, in fact, I believe this is their only match. They are highly-ranked and a tough program, plus, (former Triton assistant) Jake Mizell is their new head coach.

"So we know they are going to come here ready to go. Our kids are focused, though, and ready to match them in every aspect of the game."

Iowa Central hasn't played since a tough loss to Davenport earlier this month. The extra time between matches allowed Nelson and his coaching staff to add in some new things ahead of playing Arkansas State.

"Jake knows a lot of our players and a lot of what we do as a team," Nelson said. "He will have his team well prepared just like we will. It's going to come down to what we have worked on and if we can execute the changes that we have made."

The Tritons have been battle-tested this year, playing matches with the likes of Davenport, Iowa, Nebraska, Iowa State and Northern Iowa. They are set to close out the regular season at Wisconsin and Lindenwood before playing in a recently accepted bowl game in December.

"It's a deal to be invited to a bowl game," Nelson said. "The NCR recognizes what we are doing as a program and we are very gracious that they want to showcase our program the weekend of the national championship.

"But right now, we are all focused on Arkansas State and being prepared for them."

-By Dana Becker