Two of Pella’s top wide receivers return from a season ago, but there’s no virtually no varsity experience at running back.
Noah Clayberg and Nathan Henry combined for nearly 2,800 yards last season running the football, and since they’ve both graduated, coach Jay McKinstrey says that opens up opportunities for a whole host of players.
“Avery Van Zee, who we tried to get a little time last year but we didn’t need to and he did such a great job at cornerback and we needed to protect him, has some speed and is a great competitor. Izaiah Coulter and Julian Viersen are both seniors. We have a young man who moved in from northwest Iowa who was year two years ago – Joel Rider. And we have some young kids. Sam Warner and Gabe Thomas are two sophomores who are very talented young men.”
While the Little Dutch lost leading receiver Will Warner and third leading receiver Payson Vande Lune, who combined for over 1,100 yards, they bring back the other half of their dynamic quartet – Donovan Holterhaus and Ryan Van Wyk.
McKinstrey says they should be a nice security blanket for quarterback Nick Finney.
“They’re both about 6’5” and 185 or 190. They can run well and they go up and catch the ball so well. I just think that’s going to be kind of our go to stuff. I think they’re going to be kids that can make plays for us and certainly create excitement on the field on Friday nights.”
At tight end, the Little Dutch bring back Tyson Wassenaar, who played significant minutes in double tight formations last year.
Pella opens its season next Friday at home against Oskaloosa. Fans can get their first look at this year’s group of skill players, and the rest of the Little Dutch, tomorrow night with their annual Gatorade scrimmage.

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