Since taking over as Iowa Central head football coach in 2017, Jesse Montalto’s teams have been nearly unbeatable after Halloween.

Montalto and the Tritons will look to keep that trend going on Saturday afternoon when they play inside Dodger Stadium for the final time in 2024.

Iowa Central hosts Garden City on Hall of Fame Weekend, with kickoff set for 11 a.m.

Over the last six seasons — excluding the year the Tritons played in the spring — Iowa Central (4-5 overall) has gone 13-1 in games played during the months of November and December. That includes a 20-10 victory at Independence last weekend.

“We had another great week of practice,” Montalto said. “The kids have been locked in and focused on the task at hand, which is finishing out strong.”

The Tritons erased a 10-7 halftime deficit, holding Independence out of the end zone over the final 30 minutes. Cyncir Bowers had two rushing touchdowns and 98 yards of offense, while Ty Purdy tossed a touchdown to Bryce Anderson.

Tyler Smith returned after missing time due to an injury, throwing for 79 yards and rushing nine times for 27 in the first half. Purdy had 80 yards passing, Anderson caught three balls for 49 yards, and Austin Ayobamidele had four receptions for 55.

“It took Tyler a little to get adjusted to the game speed again, but he played a nice first half,” Montalto said. “Purdy came on and did a great job in the second half against an Independence defense that was flying around.”

Bowers, a freshman, is averaging almost 152 all-purpose yards per contest. Smith has completed 64 percent of his passes with 868 yards in the air and 167 on the ground.

Purdy has 531 yards passing and seven TDs, while Anderson has 18 catches for 177 and four scores.

Iowa Central’s defense recorded four sacks, nine tackles for loss and picked off two passes in the victory, holding Independence to just 93 yards rushing on 41 carries. They lone touchdown they surrendered came after the Pirates were given a short field and converted two plays covering 36 yards.

Garden City’s 1-8 record is deceiving. The Broncbosters forced to forfeit six games this year, vacating wins over No. 15 Dodge City, 10th-ranked Coffeyville, Ellsworth, Community Christian, Independence and No. 14 Butler.

At the time of the ruling, Garden City was 6-1 and ranked fifth in the nation, having only officially lost to No. 7 Navarro College.

Led by Dejuan Lacy, Garden City is averaging 38 points and 408 yards per game. Lacy has rushed for 880 yards with 12 TDs, while Tyler Nelson has 481 yards passing and 484 yards rushing.

“They are as talented as anybody we have faced,” Montalto said. “They are special at the key positons, and have a solid defense.

“The weather could play a factor (rain is predicted during the morning hours), so we have to come out, execute and hopefully make it a game.”

Following this week, the Tritons will conclude the regular season next Saturday at Butler. They have yet to decide on any postseason inclusion.