Two-time defending class 3-A state champion Pella faces its toughest test of the season tonight as the second-ranked Little Dutch face number one Cedar Rapids Xavier in the semifinals.

These are the only two undefeated teams left in class 3-A, each featuring a high-powered offense.

Pella relies a little more heavily on the pass, as Nick Finney is second in 3-A in yards through the air. Xavier is a little more ground heavy, as Maliki Wilson leads the class in rushing yards.

Pella Coach Jay McKinstrey says that a big key tonight will be how the hard-nosed green-and-white defense holds up against the Saints.

“Our game against Solon last week will hopefully be a good prep game. If our guys can play at that level and hopefully amp it up just a little bit more – you’ve got to increase your level of play each week the further you get into the playoffs. If we can do that, we’ll do good things. We’ve got the kids who can make the plays, and the coaches do a great job of putting our kids into the right positions to make the stops.”

Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 8:21 inside the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. Our coverage starts with the Jeromy Dingeman Concrete Football Friday Night Radio Preview Show at 6:00, followed by the Midtown Tire Team Radio Pregame Show at 7:50. Trevor Castle and Randy Sikkema will have the call on 92.1 KRLS.