Pella High wasted no time taking charge on both sides of the ball in Chariton last night on their way to a 47-0 win in their Class 3A District 7 opener.

Chariton fumbled on the opening play of the game and Pella recovered at the Charger 29, two plays later Josh Dewaard scampered in for a 23-yard run. A few minutes later Sam Davis scored his first of two touchdowns on a 42-yard run, then Austin Fuller broke loose for a 77-yard run.

After the defense recovered another fumble at the three yard line Davis found the end zone again from one yard out. On the next possession, following a Taylor Cox interception, Nathan Clayberg connected with Trevor Wood for a 21-yard touchdown and the Little Dutch led 33-0 after just one quarter.

Pella head coach Jay McKinstrey said he was pleased with the intensity his players showed to open the game.

“It’s the first District game, and they’re [Chariton] traditionally pretty solid, and here on their home field is a tough place to play. We were hoping that we could get off to a good start, get on them early, and try and put some doubt in their mind; and I think our kids did a great job of being prepared to do that,” said McKinstrey. “We had a great week of practice, and I think that helped too. Our kids are focused on trying to improve, and I think it’s showing up on Friday nights.”

The offense continued to roll in the second quarter as Chris Brogden scored on an 8-yard run to give Pella a 40-0 halftime lead. With the continuous clock rule in effect the entire second half, possessions were limited, but Pella added one more score in the third quarter as Austin Fuller scored his second touchdown on a 60-yard run.

For the game Pella racked up 438 yards of offense, including 392 on the ground, while the defense held Chariton to just 72 total yards. Austin Fuller led the ground attack with 180 yards and two touchdowns; while the quarterbacking duo of Josh De Waard and Nathan Clayberg went 4-for-8 through the air for 46 yards.

Pella improved their record to 2-1 overall and are 1-0 in district play. The Little Dutch return home to host Oskaloosa for homecoming Friday night.

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