The Division III college football season is only at the halfway point, but for Central College it’s already do-or-die as they travel to Cedar Rapids today to battle unbeaten Coe.

At 5-0, the Kohawks are the last overall undefeated team in the American Rivers Conference, and they’re tied with Wartburg atop the league standings. Central is 4-1 and 2-1.

The Dutch are still in the race to win the conference championship, but for that to happen, they must win today and hope Coe beats Wartburg in two weeks. Even if that help doesn’t materialize, Central would be in good shape for an at-large berth to the playoffs if they win out. But that has to start today with a win over Coe, who they haven’t beaten since 2021.

“We’ve spent a lot of time this week talking to the guys about emptying their backpack and playing free”, said head coach Jeff McMartin. “If you’ve got stuff going on, for three hours put it away and take it somewhere else. Just focus on playing ball because you love it and you want to be in these environments and face these challenges. We want our guys to just cut it loose.”

Kickoff today is scheduled for 1pm at Clark Field in Cedar Rapids. Trevor Castle and Don DeWaard will call the action live on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame at 12:35.