Pella Christian’s offense and defense may have gotten most of the preseason buzz, but the special teams was key in their 42-20 victory over rival PCM as heard on KNIAKRLS.com.
The Eagles started and ended the first half with two electric Levi Jungling return touchdowns, and they also snagged three fumble recoveries on kickoffs from the Mustangs. Head Coach Rich Kacmarynski says the heads up work of his special teams’ units were the difference in squashing the momentum PCM picked up in the first half with their offense.
“Any time you recover an onside kick, that’s a possession and that’s and very big demoralizer for the other team, so I think that was really demoralizing for PCM losing those onside kicks,” he says. “And then obviously when you give up a kick return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown, those are huge plays.”
The Mustangs moved the ball well, but seven overall turnovers did not allow them to take advantage of Pella Christian’s five giveaways. PCM Head Coach Greg Bonnett told KNIA/KRLS that after four turnovers on special teams, there will be a big emphasis on that in practice this coming week.
Pella Christian is 1-0 and host their home opener Friday against Albia while PCM is still looking for their first win at Montezuma.
KEY PLAYERS:
Levi Jungling, Pella Christian, WR/DB – 6 rec, 88 yards, 2 TD; Def. INT; KR and PR TDs
Luke Greiner, PCM, WR – 8 rec, 132 yards, 2 TD
Connor Dunsbergen, Pella Christian, DE – 2 sacks
Miles Wichhart, Pella Christian, RB/DE – 15 carries, 93 yards; sack

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