It’s been 10 years and two days since the Central College football team last took the field in the NCAA Division III playoffs.  That drought ends today at noon when the Dutch host the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Central finished the regular season at 9-1, and their 7-1 mark earned the Dutch a share of the American Rivers Conference title.  Oshkosh has an 8-2 record, and the Titans were co-champs of the WIAC at 6-1.

While the Central defense will try to slow down Oshkosh’s dual-threat freshman quarterback Kobe Berghammer, the Dutch offense will look to attack through the air.  Junior Blaine Hawkins set nearly every meaningful season and career passing record at Central as the Dutch averaged over 42 points per game. Coach Jeff McMartin is hopeful there will be some opportunities to open it up today.

“I think that we can match up and do some things in the passing game, but we’ve got to make sure our quarterback has time and is able to do it.  One of the nice things about Blaine, and he’s going to be tested today, is his ability to create and extend plays. He’s probably going to need to do some of that, because we’re going to see a defensive line very much unlike what we’ve seen in the past in that these guys have size and speed.”

That Oshkosh defense was on display last Saturday night as the Titans earned their way into the playoffs with five interceptions in a victory over third-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater.  The Dutch knocked off Coe last Saturday to punch their ticket, one week after beating seventh-ranked Wartburg for their marquee victory of the season.

Kickoff today is at 12:00 at Ron & Joyce Schipper Stadium.  Trevor Castle and George Wares will call the action on 92.1 KRLS, with Don DeWaard providing insight from the Central sideline.  Pregame hits the air this morning at 11:30, immediately following the Knoxville HyVee Radio Coaches Corner.