The Central College football team looks to maintain its share of first place in the American Rivers Conference when Coe comes to town this afternoon for the final regular season home game of the 2018 season.

The Dutch are coming off of their first setback of the season a week ago, 47-17 to Wartburg. In addition to losing the game, they lost star quarterback Blaine Hawkins to a first quarter injury. If he can’t go today, Central will turn to freshman Brayden Egli. Coach Jeff McMartin says that they’ve prepared their offense to expect a ton of heat from the Coe D.

“They’ve show to bring a lot of pressure and I don’t see that changing this week. That’s just who they are. And the fact that we have a freshman play caller potentially playing for us, that just maybe just ratchets it up a little bit more, but it was going to be pressure anyway. So it’s a matter of protecting, picking things up, running through tackles and going up and getting the ball and making catches. That’s what it comes down to.”

Gametime is 1:00 today at Ron & Joyce Schipper Stadium in Pella. Fans attending the contest are reminded to bring a non-perishable food or cash donation, as the KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio will be set up outside of the front gate in a partnership with Central’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Fans who can’t make to the game live can listen on 92.1, with Trevor Castle and George Wares calling the action. Pregame starts at 12:35.