After opening the 2021 season with a convincing victory last week at St. Olaf in Minnesota, the Central College football team is in Pella today for its home opener in a first ever meeting against Kalamazoo of Michigan.

The Dutch are bolstered today by the return of two fifth year senior starting defensive lineman who missed last week’s game due to covid protocols – Hunter Maddy and preseason all-American Blade Durbala. Coach Jeff McMartin is looking for a big day out of that unit.

“Where we have to really be good is up front.  We have to take advantage of our defensive line because we’re at full strength now.  We have to use our strength, use our size and use our speed.  We hope to make them one dimensional and then bring pressure with those defensive lineman, which allows our other guys to do the coverage they need to do.”

While the Dutch are getting reinforcements on defense, they’ll be without injured wide receiver Logan Mont, who caught 14 passes last week.  McMartin is confident that other guys can step up and keep the offense moving in the right direction.

Kickoff today is at 1:00 at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium.  Trevor Castle and Don DeWaard will have the call on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame coverage at 12:35.  Audio commentary will also be available with video at www.centraldutchnetwork.com.