In an offensive shootout Mount Ayr handed Pella Christian their first district loss last night 37-33 ending a 5 game win streak for the Eagles. Neither defense could stop the other’s offense as the two teams combined for just over 1000 yards in total offense on a rainy, cold night in Mount Ayr. Both teams scored on their first two possessions and the game was tied 14-14 after one quarter. Pella Christian’s defense finally stopped Mount Ayr to start the second quarter forcing a fourth and long situation at the Eagles 30 yard line, however Kory Beaman booted a 47 yard field goal to put the Raiders in front 17-14. Pella Christian turned it over on their next two possessions and Mount Ayr added a touchdown late in the second quarter to lead 24-14 at halftime. The Eagles got right back in the game scoring on their first possession of the third quarter on a 41 yard run by Alex Fynaardt but the Raiders answered scoring on their next two possessions to go ahead 37-20 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Eagles fought back adding two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter but came up short on their final possession of the game. Mount Ayr racked up 546 yards of offense including 389 on the ground while Pella Christian totaled 455 yards offense including 344 on the ground. Brett Nieuwsma carried 27 times for 186 yards putting him well over 1000 yards for the season, Alex Fynaardt and Jamie Blom each scored two touchdowns for the Eagles and Zach Zylstra scored one touchdown. Kyle Nikkel completed 7 of 20 passes for 111 yards with one touchdown but threw four interceptions. Pella Christian fell to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in Class 1A District 6 and is now part of a three way tie for the top spot along with Mount Ayr and Des Moines Chrisian heading into next week’s regular season finale. Pella Christian will host Wayne while Des Moines Christian hosts Pleasantville and Mount Ayr hosts Central Decatur. If all three teams win the district champion will be determined by the points system which Pella Christian has the advantage in right now.