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Pella came out fired up to win last night’s Homecoming football game, and they did not disappoint, jumping out to a quick nine points in the opening two minutes of the game, en route to a 40-7 pounding of Chariton.

The Little Dutch forced a three-and-out on Chariton’s opening drive, then blocked a punt into the end zone to force a safety and go up early. After starting in good field position from the ensuing kickoff, Pella struck with Brett Bogaard’s 49-yard touchdown reception on the first offensive play of the game. Those points were later followed up by a pair of one yard scores by Matt Meyers, whose main role is at linebacker, but has seen some offensive opportunities in the goal line offense.

Pella was up 33-0 at the half after a 38-yard field goal by Blaine Forsythe in the closing seconds of the second quarter. Forsythe added one final score in the third quarter to activate the running clock, and Pella cruised for the remainder of the game.

The Little Dutch totaled 274 yards of offense, led by Bogaard’s 73 yards rushing on 9 carries and three receptions, also for three yards. Pella made the biggest impact on special teams, with over 240 yards in punt and kickoff returns.

Defensively, sophomore Grant Gustafson led the team in tackles with ten, including one for a loss, while fellow linebacker Matt Meyers added eight – including five for a loss and a blocked punt.

The win improves Pella to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the district, with a trip to Carlisle up next on the schedule.
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