Beyond the state’s single season record holder in receiving yards and the best quarterback in Class 1A, the Eagles’ football team features depth and talent at most positions.
Head Coach Rich Kacmarynski says many people think of Levi Jungling and David Kacmarynski as the cornerstones of the program, but a talented core of skill players will be hitting the field beyond the two stars on the offensive side of the ball.
“We basically have all of our receiving core back from last year, so Graham Howerzyl is really looking good and has grown into his role, Caleb Roose, who was our second leading receiver last year is back and stronger and better than ever, and Hayden Vroom played himself into a starting role last year as a sophomore and is back as a junior,” Kacmarynski says.
Pella Christian scored just over 40 points per game in 2015, and all but two starters return for the team on offense this year. Kacmarynski says the strength returning on the offensive line is every bit as important as the talent of the backs and receivers.
“We really challenged them nine months ago to get into the weight room and get stronger–both our returners and our new guys, and they really responded,” he says. “We have three starters back on the o-line: Zack Jansen, Elijah Nikkel, and Connor De Bruin.”
Miles Wichhart and Sam Fredickson also return as a running back combo that racked up over 1300 yards on the ground.
The Eagles begin regular season play on August 26th against PCM.