A topsy-turvy playoff opener ended in a last minute victory for the #4 Pella football team, as the Dutch defeated Davenport North to advance to the state quarterfinals in a 17-14 game heard live on KRLS2 on Friday.

The visiting Wildcats sent a shock into the Dutch system early, taking the opening drive with ease for a touchdown, and then intercepting a third-down attempt by Michael Manning on the following opportunity for the home team.

Pella’s stout defense settled in from there, and after a missed field goal, allowed just 110 yards for the rest of the game. Pella finally broke through in the 2nd quarter on an Emmanuel Diers rushing score just before halftime to tie festivities.

The contest was largely controlled by the defenses, and it wasn’t until late in the 3rd quarter that Diers once again found paydirt on a remarkable 87-yard score that gave Pella its first lead.

North hung tough and played a patient field position game, converting a 4th down on a controversial pass interference call. The road team tied the game in the middle of the 4th quarter. With 5:46 remaining, the Dutch slowly marched down into the redzone. With :18 left in regulation, Nile Roe hit a 31-yard field goal in nearly the same spot he missed one at early in the game, and gave the Dutch the margin they needed for victory. Blake DeHeus picked off a pass on the final drive to seal the win.

Diers finished with 330 yards rushing on 41 carries, and Kyler Van Maanen made three stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Pella moves to 9-1 overall on the season and hosts Decorah next week for the chance to play in the UNI Dome. The Vikings defeated Western Dubuque 25-24 to advance.