Pella — Central hosts Wheaton of Illinois Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
The Dutch advanced after a 61-35 win over Bethel of Minnesota and coach Jeff McMartin’s team hopes the home field is an advantage again.
“You know we get down the road in the playoffs, whoever you play is a great team. We want to use this to our advantage and it allows us to stay a bit more into our routine” McMartin said.
Wheaton ousted Central from the playoffs in 2019 with a 49-13 victory.
Record setting quarterback Blaine Hawkins directs a Central passing game that averages 400 yards per contest.
A Dutch run game that is averaging 208 yards will try to solve a Wheaton defense that yields only 37 yards per game.
“They’re talented upfront and they’re talented at linebacker. You just have to do what you can and be willing to throw the football if you want to move the ball on these guys.”
Former Mount Pleasant standouts Brody Bender, Jack Johnson and Chase Williamson will all be on the sidelines for the Dutch this weekend.
Kickoff from Pella is set for noon, Saturday