Tritons Blow Out Badgers in 2023 Game One Bowl

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Sophomore quarterback Justin Silverstein threw three touchdowns and ran for another as the #11 Iowa Central stifled #5 Snow in the 2023 Game One Bowl, 44-9. 

Silverstein compiled 240 yards of offense and 199 yards through the air to propel the Tritons past the Badgers for their sixth bowl win in as many years.

Both teams struggled on their first couple possessions of the game before Snow kicked a field goal with 8:08 left in the first quarter. From there, Iowa Central's defense would dominate the Badgers in the first half giving up just 54 yards of offense. The Triton defense, in particular their pass defense, dominated all day, intercepting Snow five times. 

Stephen Saywahn led the way with two picks along with five tackles and a tackle for a loss to pick up Defensive MVP honors. Teammate Caleb Moore came away with two of his own while Jawarren Corbin took his INT to the house early in the fourth quarter.

It was a tough day for Snow quarterback Donovan Smith who came into the game top three in the NJCAA in completions and yards and third in touchdowns. Smith had only thrown six interceptions all season before throwing three on Sunday afternoon. He managed just 96 yards through the air. 

Jared Wilson led all Badger receivers with 32 yards on four catches and had the team's lone touchdown. Spencer Labmert had 23 yards rushing against a stout Triton front.

Offensively for Iowa Central, Spencer Zinn had a nice day on the ground for the Tritons. He set the tone in the early going, doing much of his damage in the first half. He ended up with 51 yards on 11 carries to lead all ball carriers on the day. 

Harold Trainer IV led all receivers in yards. He benefited from a 55 yard touchdown pass to get to his total of 61 yards. Michael Barolotta and Javontae Willia were the other recipients of touchdown passes from Silverstein. The Western Kentucky commit was named the 2023 Offensive MVP. 

Despite the final score, the Tritons didn't get through the game flawlessly offensively. Despite their five takeaways, their final turnover margin was only +2 after they coughed up three fumbles on the day. Ultimately, it was their defense that put them in position to win, allowing just 138 yards of total offense. 

Snow ends their season with a record of 9-3 and an unanticipated performance after being left out of the NJCAA Football Playoff. 

Iowa Central finishes up with a record of 7-4 and won their 13th consecutive Game One Bowl dating back to 2005. They have won the Game One Bowl game in each of head coach Jesse Montalto's first six seasons.