Every team in the Class 3A football district 8 has lost some key players and has some big components returning. Based on who left and who is coming back, Pella Coach, Jay McKinstrey says that the Wildcats of Carlisle look like the team to beat in the early going. The Wildcats lost Daniel Hupke, a very talented running back, who gained over 1,400 yards on the ground and scored 15 touchdowns for Carlisle last year. McKinstrey says that though they lost him, they played a lot of sophomores and juniors in 2012, and the junior class-to-be is very talented. He adds that Carlisle’s head coach does a great job of getting them ready, and the team possesses a lot of speed. Some key players that come back for the Wildcats include quarterback Josh Hagedorn, wide receiver and defensive powerhouse Trevor Joiner, as well as running back Kichanh McMullen. Pella will host Carlisle in Week 5 on September 27.

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