It was all Pella all the time in the 84th Edition of the Red Rock Rivalry on Friday as the Little Dutch rolled up 42 points at the half and cruised to a 42-7 win over Knoxville in a game heard live on 95.3 KNIA and kniakrls.com. The game was supposed to be played in Knoxville, but the playing surface at Ken Locke Stadium was deemed unplayable so the game was moved to Pella High’s stadium and Pella took full advantage with its speed. Quarterback Ryan Mace scored twice on runs of 12 and 29 yards while Nolan Clayberg got a touchdown and Kenson Fuller scored two touchdowns as well. The Little Dutch ran for 231 yards in the first half, and all six touchdowns came on the ground. Coach Jay McKinstrey says that he was happy to see them get the running game going and have sustained success.

McKinstrey:
“We wanted to improve our running game this week and get better with our quarterback and running back and just try and control the football a little bit better. I thought our guys did a good job with that tonight, and that may be a work in progress but you’re right it was good to see them run the ball better tonight.”

On the other side of the field, it was tough sledding for the Panthers as they were stymied in the first half and were only able to generate 110 yards of total offense. That said, Coach Eric Kellar was happy with how his team played in the second half, limiting Pella to no points and scoring a touchdown of their own.

Kellar :
“We had a little talk at halftime. We had kids a little bit frustrated and were getting beat on. We told them you just have to step up and play. We had some subs that showed us some good things, but four starters out that really hurt, it wouldn’t have made the difference in the game, but it was good to see them get some reps.”

Kieren Nichols scored Knoxville’s lone touchdown, a one yard run in the fourth quarter. Pella was led by Ryan Mace’s eight carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns; he was also 5/7 for 72 yards through the air. For Knoxville Nichols had 86 yards on 13 carries and the one score. Pella is now 1-2 and started class 3A District seven 1-0. The Little Dutch will host North Polk next week. Knoxville is also 1-2 but 0-1 in district seven and will travel to Nevada on Friday.