Week 11: Garden City falls in overtime heartbreaker to Iowa Central, 23–17

Posted November 15, 2025

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 — Garden City, Kan.

A valiant comeback and late defensive surge brought Garden City Community College within inches of a signature win, but a missed overtime field goal opened the door for Iowa Central to escape Broncbuster Stadium with a 23–17 victory on Saturday afternoon. The Broncbusters rallied from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter to force overtime, only to watch the Tritons punch in the deciding touchdown after Garden City’s 37-yard field goal attempt drifted wide.

How the Iowa Central Won

Garden City struck first, driving 52 yards over six minutes to take a 7–0 lead on Ahmir Smith’s 2-yard touchdown run. Iowa Central answered with a pair of second-quarter scoring drives — a 7-yard touchdown pass from Damarcus Creecy to Denver Longden, and a 15-yard strike to Sejhe Jackson in the final seconds of the half — to claim a 14–7 lead at the break.

The Tritons extended the margin to 17–7 late in the third quarter on a 19-yard field goal by Anderson Trejo, but the Broncbusters came alive in the fourth. Lucca Alcaraz Valens split the uprights from 36 yards out to pull within seven, and with 26 seconds left, Smith muscled across the goal line for his second touchdown of the afternoon to tie the game at 17–17, forcing overtime before a roaring home crowd.

In the extra period, Garden City’s first possession ended with a missed field goal, setting up Iowa Central’s game-winning drive capped by a rushing score to hand the Broncbusters their fourth loss of the season.

Garden City Takeaways

Despite the heartbreak, Garden City showcased growth and resilience. Ahmir Smith continued to be the offensive catalyst with two touchdowns and 52 all-purpose yards, while Cenard Bennett paced the passing attack with six receptions for 71 yards. Quarterbacks DaeOnte’ Mitchell, Tanner Helton, and Jaydyn Sisk combined to go 18-of-28 through the air for 131 yards with no interceptions — an efficient outing under pressure.

Defensively, the Broncbusters turned in one of their most complete efforts of the year, limiting Iowa Central to just 224 total yards in regulation and 3.3 yards per play. The defensive line wreaked havoc, tallying four sacks — including two by Keon Webb — while Karson Butts’ fourth-quarter interception helped spark the comeback. Garden City’s front seven held the Tritons to under 100 rushing yards and forced five punts in the second half.

Still, discipline and missed opportunities proved costly: ten penalties for 66 yards and a missed overtime field goal undercut a performance that otherwise matched Iowa Central punch for punch.

Iowa Central Takeaways

The Tritons found success in efficiency and poise, converting 6-of-15 third downs and controlling time of possession by nearly seven minutes. Quarterback Damarcus Creecy accounted for 201 total yards and two touchdown passes, while Iowa Central’s defense kept Garden City’s running game under 3 yards per carry. Linebacker Christian Barney led the way with 14 total tackles as the Tritons earned their seventh win of the season.

Matchup Breakdown

Late dramatics — Garden City rallied from 17–7 down in the final 10 minutes and nearly pulled off the upset before Iowa Central’s overtime stand.

Defensive grit — The Broncbusters posted four sacks and an interception, holding the Tritons to 92 rushing yards on 42 carries.

Missed chances — Ten penalties, four drives ending in Iowa Central territory without points, and the missed overtime field goal defined the difference in a game decided by inches.

Final Game Numbers (Unofficial)

(Will be updated once official box is corrected for overtime scoring)

Final: Iowa Central 23, Garden City 17 (OT)
Score by Quarters:

  • GCCC: 7 |  0  | 0 | 10 | 0 — 17
  • ICCC:   0 | 14 | 3 |  0  | 6 — 23

Leaders (GCCC): 

  • Passing: Mitchell 14-23-0, 93 yds; Helton 2-2-0, 19 yds; Sisk 2-3-0, 19 yds.
  • Rushing: Smith 14-36-2; Burton 3-31; Randle Jr. 5-16.
  • Receiving: Bennett 6-71; Littles Jr. 4-25; Okoro 2-20; Burton 2-13.
  • Defense: Butts INT (1 yd return); Webb 2 sacks; Floyde, Nnamuchi, and Baudry combined for two more; Clayton 12 total tackles.

Program Snapshot

Now 6–4 overall (3–4 Jayhawk Conference), Garden City continues to flash toughness and balance in close games under Head Coach Kiyoshi Harris, with six of its last eight contests decided by one score or less. The Broncbusters’ defense has recorded at least one takeaway in seven straight outings, while Smith and Bennett remain reliable offensive playmakers in the red zone.

Up Next

Garden City closes the regular season next Saturday, Nov. 22, with a Jayhawk Conference road trip to Hutchinson, facing the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons at 12PM in Gowans Stadium.

Iowa Central (7–3) wraps up its regular season against Iowa Western in Council Bluffs.

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