Central hosts Wartburg in an Iowa Conference matchups of the pre-season favorites. Wartburg coach Rick Willis says they need to be careful they don’t put too much emphasis on this game. Willis says they both realize there’s a lot of games left after this one, but it has some big implications for the season.

Wartburg lost at Augsburg of Minnesota in overtime a week ago and the Knights have not dropped back-to-back games since 1996. Williss says it will be a challenge, but they feel good about their ability to get the job done.

Central coach Jeff McMartin says Wartburg has an outstanding defense that doesn’t give up a lot of points or yards. McMartin says no matter what happen there is a long way to go in the league race, and whoever wins has to take care of business for the rest of the season. Central has won 28-straight regular season games.