Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Iowa Central’s Jalen Ruth catches a touchdown pass inside Dodger Stadium on Saturday. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net.
Even after the much-needed victory, the Iowa Central football team felt a great sense of loss.
The Tritons snapped a four-game losing streak with a thrilling 35-30 victory over College of DuPage here inside Dodger Stadium on Saturday.
But the victory came at a heavy price.
Quarterback Tyler Smith, who replaced starter Trevon Taylor earlier this year, left with a foot injury during the game. Meanwhile, Jalen Ruth, the team’s second-best receiver, suffered a season-ending injury while scoring the winning touchdown.
All of this has left Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto struggling to explain what happened.
“We’ve probably had more injuries here (this season) than we’ve ever had before.” Montalto said. “It keeps increasing.
“But the kids stepped up and we got big contributions from some guys who might not have seen the field if we were healthy. They’re going to continue to work hard and compete.” , and that’s all you can ask of them.”
Sinther Bowers rushed for a career-high 143 yards and three touchdowns, with two catches for an additional 37 yards. Ty Purdy entered the game and threw two TDs in the most important playing time for the Tritons (2-4 overall), who had lost four times to ranked opponents on one possession in consecutive weeks.
Patrick Brown III had two sacks on his birthday, as did Ja’Valen Corbin and B.J. Elston. Ishamael Kante and Joseph Shannon each added one sack.
“Our defense played a really great game.” Montalto said. “We didn’t do them any favors in the second half (field position-wise), but they stepped up and got a point when we needed a stop.”
Ruth, a sophomore at Ames, stepped up to the corner of the end zone and reeled in a pass from Purdy to make it 21-17 midway through the third quarter. Ruth was injured on landing and medical staff quickly arrived on the scene, causing significant delays.
“It was an unbelievable play for Jaylen to make that and get the touchdown.” Montalto said. “We feel so bad for the kid because he’s having surgery right now. We’re praying for him.
“It’s a very difficult situation because we have a kid here who has entrusted his future to us. It’s really tough to see him go through an injury like this. I will do my best to motivate you.”
Before the injury, Smith was 7-of-11 for 103 yards and contributed 20 yards rushing. The former Bluff Luton standout had thrown eight touchdowns on the year.
“Just like we did with Jaylen, we will do everything we can for Tyler.” Montalto said. “He broke his leg in high school…worst case scenario, the same thing could happen.”
Eight different players caught passes as Purdy, a Don Bosco graduate, threw for 68 yards.
Dupage has three consecutive defenses. The three-time national champions, who are once again ranked No. 1 at the same level, were led by Justin Brand’s 287 yards and three touchdowns.
Iowa Central lost to No. 10 Highland, No. 1 Hutchinson, No. 2 Iowa Western, and No. 14 Dodge City by a combined 12 points in September games. That span included two one-point losses and an overtime setback.
The Tritons continue their October homestand against Coffeyville on Saturday at 7 p.m., then next weekend at noon inside Dodger Stadium against Ellsworth.
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