We reach the homestretch in our top ten countdown for area teams and for Pella High at number three in another dramatic semifinals football game for a program that has made Cedar Falls a “home away from home.”

Pella and Harlan — unquestionably two of the greatest 3A football programs in state history, squared off in the final four featuring the true bluebloods of Iowa high school football — and the matchup didn’t disappoint.

It was also truly a tale of two halves, Pella jumped ahead in dominating, methodical fashion. Taking a 35-0 lead with over two minutes left in the first half, it seemed the Little Dutch were primed to cruise to the state title game. But a quick touchdown before the break spurred an incredible run from the Cyclones, which included a hook and ladder and 26 unanswered points.

The key play in the game came after the momentum swinging punt block for a touchdown by Harlan. A big connection from Ryan Gustafson to Avery Van Zee lifted Pella and gave them enough cushion to survive two more touchdowns and a missed two-point conversation to tie the game in the final minutes.

Pella made it the state championship game for the fourth consecutive season, falling to Xavier in the finals. See highlights from the game in the video above.