Nearly 3000 fans packed Pella High stadium and were treated to a thriller as seventh ranked Pella pulled off a 22-21 win over third ranked Grinnell in a non-district matchup. Pella’s defense set the tone early stopping the Tigers opening drive, then the offense did their job as Noah Clayberg connected with Bryce Bortscheller on two big pass plays to give Pella a 7-0 lead. The game was tied at 14 going into halftime. With Grinnell clinging to a 21-17 lead and just over four minutes remaining in the game, Anthony Bentzinger’s punt pinned the Tigers inside their own one yard line and that’s when everything changed. An illegal chop block in the end zone resulted in a Pella safety trimming the Tigers lead to 21-19 and gave the ball back to Pella with just over two minutes to play. Pella coach Jay Mckinstrey says he was thrilled with the way his team battled all game long. Noah Clayberg was fantastic in his debut at quarterback, going 11-18 for 167 yards and two touchdowns while Bortscheller hauled in five catches for 100 yards. Nathan Henry led the rush attack for Pella with 110 yards on 16 carries. Pella improved to 3-0 and will play their district opener at Knoxville Friday night.