PELLA—Another opportunity for improvement is how coach Jeff McMartin views as the Central College football team's third road trip in four weeks as it travels to Luther College Saturday.
           
The start to American Rivers play was a bumpy one for the Dutch (2-1 overall, 0-1 conference), who were held off by Coe College 19-11 at Pella last Saturday. But that hasn't altered the forward focus for McMartin and his squad.
           
"We've been intentional about how we're going through this," he said. "You want to find a good balance of learning and fixing some things while getting yourself prepared and ready for the next step. There's a lot of football to be played and we want to keep improving each week."
           
Luther (0-2 overall, 0-1 conference) was outscored at Loras College Saturday 44-29. Game time Saturday is at 1 p.m. at Carlson Stadium in Decorah.
           
On the air and online—The Voice of the Dutch, Trevor Castle, calls the action on KRLS-FM (92.1), with Pella mayor and retired Central defensive coordinator Don DeWaard providing the color. The KRLS pregame show will air at 12:35 p.m. The broadcast can be accessed through www.kniakrls.com or directly at rdo.to/krls. It's also accessible via mobile device with the KRLS app available through iTunes and other outlets..
           
The series—Central was a 61-13 winner over Luther at Pella a year ago and the Dutch hold a 60-22-1 advantage in the series. Luther's last win over Central was in 2008.
           
Eyes on 150—Central coach Jeff McMartin is in his 20th season as head coach at his alma mater. He's still a win away from being the 11th active Division III coach to record 150 career victories. He's posted a 149-47 (.761) record.
           
A 1990 Central grad, McMartin ranks seventh among active NCAA Division III coaches in winning percentage. He was the 2021 AFCA Division III Coach of the Year and has piloted Central to six of the program's 32 conference championships.
           
The Norse—In two games Luther was outscored 48.0-25.0 and outgained 483.0 yards to 281.5. Junior running back Vershon Brooks is averaging 50.0 yards per game. Senior quarterback Beau Cornwell has completed 43-of-79 passes (.543) for 401 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions. Sophomore linebacker Brayden Daley has 16 tackles including 5.5 for loss with one interception.
           
McMartin sees signs of progress for the Norse under second-year coach Joe Troche.
           
"Luther has really improved this year," he said. "They've really taken some good steps. They have a number of fifth-year seniors that I think have given them stability and not force some of their younger players into having to play too early."
           
Adjustments up front—Saturday's loss was a disappointment, but McMartin sees signs that the Dutch can eliminate the mistakes that contributed to it.
           
"I'm confident a lot of it is going to get corrected," he said. "And we'll change some things strategically and conceptually to speed up that process as well."
           
An injury to center Max Reitano (sophomore, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) was also a factor in a reconfiguration of the offensive line. Sophomore Sebastian Duarte (Spring, Texas, the Woodlands HS), who came to Central as an offensive lineman but moved to defense during his freshman season, moved back to the offensive line Saturday and is now listed at center after starting at guard Saturday.
           
"I think he has what we need," McMartin said. "He's physical, he's smart, he understands our offense and he's a quick learner. Moving him inside to this week, giving him a chance to take snaps, that's the position he came in at and he handles it really well."
           
The line is making some other adjustments as well.
           
"We needed to make a few changes because we've got to do a better job in our protection and our execution," McMartin said. "We feel like this gives us our best chance to do that."
           
Getting a win Saturday could help the Dutch regain their momentum but the focus needs to remain on improvement.
           
"Everything we did from the minute (Saturday's) game ended and (will do) until we go on the field against Luther is going to be about getting better and working to be the best we can be," McMartin said.
           
Waiting their turn—The Dutch were disappointed that the scheduled opening junior varsity game Monday with Simpson College had to be called off. The first JV game is now slated for Monday, Oct. 2 at home against Monmouth College (Ill.). But McMartin said Central's younger players continue to show a commitment to learn and develop in practice.
           
"We've had some really good leaders," he said. "Some of our upperclassmen have really taken them under their wing and taught them the importance of preparation and the importance of practice, learning and taking advantage of those opportunities. I think that it's been really good."
           
After further review—Linebacker Reid Pakkebier (junior, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS) was credited with a blocked field goal and a blocked extra point Saturday after the blocks were initially awarded to other players. Pakkebier continues to put together an all-star resume. He leads the Dutch with 26 tackles, including 12 unassisted stops with 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery to go with the two blocks.
           
"Reid's playing really well and it's exciting to see," McMartin said. "We knew as a freshman that he had a lot of talent and he contributed to that 2021 team. Then last year he played a pivotal role in our defense, and he's just taken another step this year. He keeps getting better."
           
Offensively, quarterback Hunter Hoffman (sophomore, Pecatonica, Ill.) has completed 39-of-68 passes (.574) for 318 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Keegan Glover (sophomore, Benton, Ill.) has completed 29-of-43 passes (.674) for 261 yards and three TDs with three interceptions. Glover is Central's leading rusher with 173 yards and a score on 38 carries. Ryan Neu (senior, West Des Moines, Valley HS) has 15 pass receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Jeff Herbers (5th-year, Urbandale, Des Moines Christian HS) has 15 catches for 129 yards and a TD.
           
Central is outgaining opponents 381.0 yards to 323.7 and outscoring them 27.6-18.6.