It’s the Iowa Conference opener this afternoon for the Central College football team, as the Dutch welcome the Norse of Luther College to Pella. Central has held the upper hand in much of the last three decades against Luther, but the Norse bring some skilled athletes to the field in today’s match-up.

Luther’s last win is not such a distant memory, though, as the Norse claimed a 26-7 victory in 2008. The all-time series favors Central, 49-22-1, but Luther claimed most of their wins early in the rivalry, as the Dutch have held a 28-2 advantage in the past 30 years.

Though early in the season, the Dutch are off to a strong start in a number of categories, leading the conference in rush defense (94.0 yards per game), time of possession (31:56), and second in the league in pass efficiency. Central quarterback Nate Snead is the conference total offense leader (325 yards per game), and is third in passing (239.5) and fourth in rushing (85.5).

With last week’s win over Augustana, head coach Jeff McMartin tied Rich Kacmarynski for third place on the career wins list for Central coaches, as he now holds a 62-16 record. Central is 1-1 overall, while Luther carries an 0-2 mark into this afternoon’s contest.

You can hear coverage of the game broadcast live on 92.1 fm KRLS and streamed online at kniakrls.com with the voice of the Dutch, Trevor Castle, providing the call. Coverage from Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium in Pella begins at 12:45 today, with kickoff between Central and Luther set for 1:00 p.m.