Posted: Dec 04, 2022
Cedar Falls - No. 14 Iowa Central claimed its 18th all-time victory in the Game One Bowl (formerly The Graphic Edge Bowl) with a 31-24 victory over No. 10-ranked Trinity Valley. It's also the 12th consecutive victory in the bowl series for the Tritons.
With a dynamic trio of quarterbacks, it was Zach Marker who got the Tritons started to a 24-0 halftime lead. Marker was named the bowl game offensive MVP behind a 18-of-26 showing for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
Marker connected with Desna Washington with 6:23 remaining in the first quarter for the opening score. Kongolo Mwenemkamba connected on a 25-yard field goal six minutes later to increase the Triton advantage to two scores.
Marker found receiver Travis Isaac for a pair of second-quarter scores for the 24-0 lead going into halftime.
Trinity Valley would gain some early momentum in the second half when Cardinal quarterback Darion Peace found Trent Hudson for a 64-yard touchdown. Kicker Jake Gaster converted a 32-yard field goal in the final minute of the quarter to draw the margin within two touchdowns.
Iowa Central running back Jadon Washington capped off an Iowa Central drive in the fourth-quarter with a 26-yard touchdown run.
Trinity Valley would claw back into the game with another Trent Hudson touchdown reception with 6:22 remaining. The Cardinals then capped off another drive in the final minute with a quarterback keeper from Peace for the 1-yard touchdown.
The Tritons recovered the onside kick attempt and were able to kneel out for the victory.
On the defensive side, Iowa Central lineman James Williams earned bowl game MVP honors with a pair of tackles for loss, including a sack, in helping the Tritons to the win.
Iowa Central head coach Jesse Montalto moved to 9-0 in bowl games as a head coach. The first four victories occurred during Montalto's time at Ellsworth in Iowa Falls.
The Tritons finish the 2022 campaign with a 7-4 record while Trinity Valley falls to 8-3.