Expectations are nothing new for the Central College football program and the Dutch expect to make another run at the Iowa Conference title this season. Coach Jeff McMartin’s team has 14 starters back from last year’s team that finished 8-2 overall and third in the league race.

McMartin says the players they’ve recruited have been interested in making a run at the title, so their preparation and focus has been very good and that gives the team a chance for success.

Quarterback Nate Snead returns after rushing for 15 touchdowns last season and passing for 12. McMartin says they are rebuilding the offensive line and they have 3 new defensive linemen too, and so far they’ve all stepped up.

McMartin says there is a fine line between competing for a conference championship and winning one. He says the formula for success has been not making a lot of mistakes and play great defense. While he says that sounds like what every team wants to do, it is proven that if you don’t do them, it is hard to win.

The Dutch open the season September third at Wisconsin-Oshkosh.