Central's Ritzert named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

PELLA-Central College defensive back Peyton Ritzert (senior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) is among 22 college and university players nationwide cited for exemplary community impact as part of the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.® announced Tuesday.

Ritzert is one of five NCAA Division III players chosen for the combined 11-man team of NCAA FCS, Division II and Division III players as well as NAIA athletes. He's one of three from Iowa to be recognized alongside Morningside University's Luke Paulsen and Northwestern College's Gianna Bennett.

Central is among the national leaders in Good Works Team honorees as Bannister is the sixth Dutch player chosen for the elite squad. Previous picks were Marc Poortinga in 1997 followed by Stephen Barnes in 2005, Cory Nikkel in 2011, Jake Wassenaar in 2015 and Cam Bannister in 2023.

The team was established in 1992 to recognize extra efforts by college football players who find ways to serve others in need. The final 22-member team is selected, based on exceptional leadership on and off the football field, by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists.The AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need.Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

Allstate will be bringing the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members to New Orleans to be recognized at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Jan. 1.

Ritzert spent a week last summer serving with Imagine Guatemala in the city of Antigua building a house. He also volunteered weekly during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at Third Church in Pella where he led lessons and activities for a class for children. He's also served locally at The Well of Pella, the Pella Community Food Shelf and the Pella Wrestling Club. On campus, he serves on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Ritzert has seven tackles in the first two games for Central. He missed all but one game of his junior season with an injury, making five tackles in the season opener with a pass break-up. He's a two-time American Rivers Academic All-Conference choice in 2024 and 2025.