Colfax-Mingo put up big numbers in the passing game, but Pella Christian put up even bigger numbers in the rushing category and on the scoreboard, as the Eagles downed the Tigerhawks 49-17 on Friday night.

An 18-yard touchdown run by Nate Tvedt and a fumble recovered and run in for a touchdown by Zach Veenstra gave Pella Christian an early 13-0 advantage after a failed PAT, but then the offenses slowed down considerably. Colfax-Mingo got on the board with an improbable 40-yard field goal to pull within ten points, but the Eagles came back with a heavy dose of Caleb Morgan, who scored the first of three touchdowns with 3:18 remaining in the half.

The Eagles took a 20-3 advantage into the third quarter, but the Tigerhawks continued to attack through the air, striking first to bring the score back within ten points. Pella Christian responded with a Nate Tvedt touchdown to make the score 27-10, then came up big on the defensive side of the football to seize control of the game on an interception returned for a touchdown by Collin De Bruin. Morgan added two more scores on the ground in the fourth quarter to seal the Tigerhawks’ fate.

In all, Pella Christian racked up 354 yards on the ground, led by Morgan’s 23 carries for 183 yards and Tvedt’s 20-carry, 155-yard performance. Colfax-Mingo’s passing attack was every bit as prolific as billed, as quarterback Mitch Larson threw for 334 yards, but was also intercepted four times.

With the win, Pella Christian is 5-2 overall and 4-1 in Class 2A District 8. They return home next week to host Shenandoah.