It has been 1,011 days since the last time the Pella High football team lost a game.
Since their quarterfinal loss to Washington in the 2013 playoffs, the Little Dutch have reeled off consecutive 9-0 regular seasons, 14-0 overall records, and back-to-back state championships.
But 2016 is a new year. Gone are five all-state players lost to graduation, including the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year for the State of Iowa – Noah Clayberg.
Pella head Coach Jay McKinstrey says that managing sky-high expectations is a big focus during this preseason.
“Once you start playing for expectations, we’ll never live up to what other people what and sometimes even what we want. If we can just play for the love of the game and enjoyment, then hopefully we don’t have those things that we put on their shoulders.
“But I’m sure the kids feel it a little bit – it’s been a long time since they’ve had to experience being on the losing side. If I’m honest, I feel it a little bit. But you try to fight that and remember what our purpose is and what we’re trying to do with these young men.”
Pella will open defense of its back-to-back state championships a week from Friday at home against Oskaloosa.
Fans can get their first look at the Little Dutch this Friday night with the annual Gatorade scrimmage.