—Photo by Paul DeCoursey iowa central's desna washington reaches out for a ball against Ellsworth on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

Most of the time, Jesse Montalto would walk off the field following a 34-point victory feeling pretty good about his Iowa Central football team.

That was far from the case here Saturday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

While Montalto was happy to see the eighth-ranked Tritons rebound with a 66-32 victory over Ellsworth, the veteran leader knows the focus needs to be much better moving forward.

Iowa Central (3-1 overall, 1-0 in ICCAC) committed eight penalties, turned the ball over three times and allowed almost 400 yards passing to the Panthers (0-3, 0-1).

“It was a reflection of how we practiced,” Montalto said. “The focus was never there during the week in practice and that showed up on the field (Saturday). We just never looked ready to go and that was disappointing.

“Still, anytime you can get a win, it’s a good day. We’ll learn and grow from this.”

Ellsworth, who lost to No. 2 Hutchinson 70-7, took a 7-0 lead and went ahead on the scoreboard 19-17 late in the second quarter. And, despite being ahead 24-19 at the break, Montalto went to Zach Marker to begin the third quarter.

Marker, the No. 1 starter out of fall camp, was injured in the season opener. The plan was to let him rest another week, but Montalto felt he was needed on the field.

“He just brings such an energy and presence that the team really rallies around,” Montalto said. “We didn’t want to go to him, but we weren’t completely happy with our quarterback play. (Justin) Silverstein did some good things, as did the other guys, but I felt we needed Zach out there for what he gives us.”

Marker tossed three touchdown passes in the third, finishing with 98 yards in the air. Silverstein, who came on early in the game, was 9-for-16 for 116 yards and three TDs. Desna Washington caught four passes for 125 yards and a TD, Izaiah Haslett had four receptions for 44 yards with two TDs and a kickoff he returned for a score, while George Sims, Jamarien Wheeler and Cal Weidemann also caught a touchdown.

Cayne Smith ran for 59 yards and a TD, with Logan Williams adding a late rushing score. Jayson Murray ran for 49 yards and Jadon Washington 43.

On defense for the Tritons, Keon’Tey Fowler picked off two passes with Elijah Graham also intercepting a pass. Cody Smidt and Deonte Bryant each had a sack and a fumble recovery, with James Williams, Rex Van Whye and Blake Whaley recording a sack.

Ellsworth was led by Joshua Bauer, who completed 26 of 54 for 381 yards and five touchdowns. Malcolm Gillie had nine receptions for 185 yards and four TDs.

Next action for the Tritons will be on Sunday when they host top-ranked (Div. III) and defending national champion College of DuPage at noon.