The first round of the Class 2A Football Playoffs brings us our #8 moment on the countdown of top 10 stories from PCM in 2021-22, as the Mustangs battled and won a dogfight on October 22nd over Clarinda, 14-13.

PCM grabbed momentum early in the game on a big first quarter interception by Matthew Rosonke. 

The Mustangs quickly capitalized on the turnover, as Aiden Anderson shook a tackle in the backfield en route to a 67-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0. 

Clarinda responded with a first quarter touchdown of their own, connecting on a 55-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 7. After both teams exchanged missed field goals, Clarinda came out in the second half and used a halfback pass to get into the red zone. That set up a nine-yard touchdown run to put PCM down on the scoreboard 13-7. The Mustangs found their own quick response three plays later, when Carson Vandelune connected with Jacob Eslinger on a 66-yard touchdown pass. 

Tyler Kuecker connected on the extra point to give PCM the narrow 14-13 lead. After the two teams traded turnovers and defensive stops, Donovan Nickelson came away with the game-sealing sack on fourth down.

PCM advanced to play at Williamsburg in the second round of the playoffs, where their season came to an end.