High school football teams always want to win their Homecoming games, but that’s going to prove to be a tall order tonight for the Pella High football team. The Little Dutch host rival Oskaloosa, a team that most coaches in the District tabbed as a favorite to finish at or near the top of the league standings this season.

Among the factors that make the Indians a tough opponent is their “single-wing” offense, which relies upon a stable of athletic running backs and misdirection on the line and in the backfield to try and confuse the defense.

Little Dutch head coach Jay McKinstrey says the mental stamina of his athletes will be as necessary as the physical aspects of the game when combining the elements of playing a District front-runner and rival team on Homecoming night.

“What a big game. It’s certainly going to be very emotional – a lot of things going on – and we’ve just got to keep talking to the kids about staying focused, playing within themselves, and playing within our capabilities; and at the same time being excited about playing,” says McKinstrey.

“I think our kids are [excited], and it certainly will be a challenge, but I think our kids are grounded and I think they’ll do a good job with that. Hopefully we can put that out on the field tonight, play well, and good things can happen for the Pella football team tonight. ”

Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on 92.1 fm KRLS with Eric Gotschall and Randy Sikkema there for the call. Coverage will begin at 6:45 p.m., with kickoff at 7:30.

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