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In the latest chapter of what has become a great rivalry on the football field between Pella Christian and Des Moines Christian, it was the Eagles who were able to again secure a victory, as they won their season debut last night by a score of 28-20. The Lions looked strong early, but a lost fumble gave Pella Christian the football, and the Eagles opened the scoring with a three-play drive that ended with a beautifully thrown 38-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Nikkel to Trey Hugen. Des Moines Christian answered soon thereafter to take an 8-7 lead, but the Eagles scored twice on running plays in the second quarter to take a 22-8 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Lions struck first in the second half, as quarterback Austin Stubbs scampered down the sideline for a 50-yard touchdown run and pulled the game to within 22-14. Less than three minutes later, Pella Christian responded again, as Sam Tvedt snuck in from seven yards out to double up Des Moines Christian 28-14. The Lions got one more score in the third quarter, but missed the two point conversion, and the score remained at 28-20 throughout the fourth quarter.

Pella Christian ran 61 plays on offense for 450 yards, with 246 yards on the ground and 204 in the air. Des Moines Christian ran the ball for 262 yards, but had just 63 passing yards. The only blemish on an otherwise strong opener for the Eagles were seven penalties – most of them for illegal procedures – that accounted for 45 yards.

Alex Fynaardt led Pella Christian on the ground with 8 carries for 115 yards, while Trey Hugen was the team’s leading receiver with 4 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. At quarterback, Kyle Nikkel was 13-of-17 for 204 yards, one passing and one rushing touchdown, and no interceptions.

Caleb Morgan and Sam Tvedt were the defensive leaders for Pella Christian, each registering nine tackles, with Caleb Frederickson and Dan Hessing close behind with seven tackles apiece.

Pella Christian now travels to Van Meter next Friday for their second, and last non-district game, before opening up the district schedule on September 10th.

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