Preview: Storm renew rivalry with Central in crucial matchup
The Simpson Storm and Central Dutch take part in the 95th edition of a rivalry that began more than a century ago on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Simpson's Buxton Stadium in Indianola.
The Storm (2-2, 1-1 Iowa Conference) made a statement with a 38-33 win on the road against defending Iowa Conference champion Coe last week while the Dutch (2-2, 1-1) came back from 17 points down to tally a convincing 52-27 win over Nebraska Wesleyan.
Gameday Coverage
Video Stream: SimpsonAthletics.com
Video Talent: Todd Guessford (play-by-play), Paul Davis (analyst)
Radio: KNIA 1320 AM/95.3 FM and KNIAKRLS.com
Radio Talent: Andrew Swadner (play-by-play), Rick Wilson (analyst)
Live Stats: SimpsonAthletics.com
Quick Hits
• Simpson is looking for its first win against Central since 2013
• Simpson and Central are meeting for 95th time Saturday in the Storm's most-played rivalry. Simpson's second most-played opponent is Luther with 78 meetings.
• Since a season-opening shutout loss to now No. 22 Wis.-Stout, Simpson has averaged 38 points and 437.7 yards of total offense per game. Leading the way is senior QB Sam Sasso, who has 12 TDs and 950 yards during the stretch.
• Sasso earned Iowa Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors and was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week after leading the Storm to a 38-33 win over Coe last week. He tossed four TD passes for the third-straight game, going 27-for-37 for 340 yards through the air.
• Sasso leads the Iowa Conference and ranks 12th in Division III with 12 passing TDs. He also figures highly into the national rankings in passing yards (8th, 1,209), completions per game (10th, 26.75) and points responsible for (18th, 72).
• Senior WR Jackson Redmond surpassed 100 yards receiving for the third time in 2017 and the fifth time in his career with 111 yards on four catches against Coe. He leads the IIAC and ranks 16th in the country with 428 receiving yards on the season.
• Senior placekicker Drew Jensen is Simpson's new career leader for field goals after making his 27th in last week's win over Coe. He surpasses the mark of 26 held by Brett Majors (1999-2002).
• Junior RB Cam Bunting ran for 123 yards in last week's win over Coe, becoming the first Simpson running back not named Jordan Beem to surpass the 100-yard mark since Ethan Calvert on Sept. 6, 2014, a span of 33 games.
• Simpson leads the Iowa Conference and ranks 27th in Division III with 13 sacks through four games. Defensive end Jake Stearns leads the league with 4.5 sacks while the other end, Trey Chumbley, is tied for second with 4.0.
• The Storm defense has nine takeaways in 2017, 32nd in Division III and third in the IIAC. With Ryan Lehr's interception last week, the Storm now have at least one takeaway in 13 of 14 games since Matt Jeter took over as head coach in 2016.
• Lehr already has three interceptions on the season, 25th in Division III.
A look at the Dutch
After leading the way in Central's comeback win over Nebraska Wesleyan a week ago, freshman QB Blaine Hawkins will get the starting nod Saturday. He is Central's third starting signal caller already this season, but has plenty of weapons to choose from led by WR Sam Markham. Last year's Division III receptions leader, Markham is coming off his best game of the season in which he made eight catches for 171 yards and two TDs. The ground game has been the staple of the Dutch offense this season as Central averages 291.5 yards per game, 12th-most in Division III. Central ranks seventh in the league in total defense, allowing 466.5 yards per game.
The Series
Saturday marks the 95th meeting between Simpson and Central in a series that began in 1905. Simpson has played Central more than any other team in its history, ahead of Luther (78 meetings). Central leads the all-time series 65-26-3 and has won the last three meetings, including a 49-14 triumph last year. The Storm's last win in the series came in 2013.
Watch the Storm in HD
Storm video streaming has gone high-definition! A new addition in the spring of 2017, Storm football fans can experience all six home game in HD for the first time this season. Veteran broadcaster Todd Guessford has the call alongside analyst Paul Davis, former defensive line coach for the Storm. Pregame begins at 12:30 p.m.
On the Air
Back again this season, all Simpson football games can be heard on KNIA 1320 AM/95.3 FM and online at KNIAKRLS.com. You can also download the KNIA app on iTunes and Google's Play Store. Andrew Swadner will have the call with Rick Wilson providing the color commentary.
