A pair of undefeated teams clash at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium in Pella this afternoon to open American Rivers Conference football action as Central hosts Nebraska Wesleyan.

Both teams are 2-0, and both offenses have looked good in non-conference play, each putting up a 69 point performance.  The Prairie Wolves did that two weeks ago in a blowout win over Eureka, then snuck by Augsburg last week on a missed field goal as time expired.  Meanwhile, Central followed up a season opening victory at St. Olaf 14 days ago with a whitewashing of Kalamazoo last week.

Nebraska Wesleyan set several offensive school records in the win over Euraka, and Central coach Jeff McMartin says that they’ve got the full attention of the Dutch today.

“Where we have to do a good job is up front.  We have to win the line of scrimmage in the running game, and then when they do throw, we have to get pressure, get movements and disrupt some things.”

McMartin expects the Prairie Wolves to throw the ball 50 or more times today, and says that his defense has to be ready for short, quick routes.  This will be the fifth time that Central senior quarterback Blain Hawkins has played Nebraska Wesleyan, and in the four previous meetings, Central is averaging over 43 points per game and Hawkins has combined for 15 touchdowns rushing and throwing.

Opening kick today is at 1:00 at The Schip, and Trevor Castle and George Wares will call all the action on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame at 12:35.  Audio commentary will also be available with video on the Central Dutch Network.