A slow start with missed opportunities for both teams did not extend into the second half for the PCM Mustangs Friday night, as they shut out rival Pella Christian 40-0.
The teams traded fumbles after extended drives in the first quarter, followed by neither offense being able to put a score on the board. PCM struck for the only score of the first half with a Wes Cummings 15 yard run, and led 7-0 going into the break. The game was all Mustangs in the second half, putting up 33 points including two more rushing touchdowns from Wes Cummings, two from Reed Worth, and a receiving touchdown for Isaac Telfer. PCM Head Coach Greg Bonnett tells KNIA/KRLS Sports the offense started slow, but a little confidence boost to his lead back made all the difference.
“We were talking about playing in the first half, and he was saying if only this, if only that, and I told Wes, I think you are the best running back in the state so just go out there and make plays. Wes Cummings is a low runner, a strong runner, and he refuses to go down so I’m glad he did what he did tonight and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Assistant Pella Christian coach Verlan Nikkel says that they were happy to be within 7-0 at the break, but couldn’t finish out the final 24 minutes the way they wanted.
“They started rolling in the second half and we didn’t have a lot of answers for them defensively. We have a lot of guys who are playing both ways and didn’t have a chance to get a lot of breaks tonight because we have some guys that are injured, and some other guys who got injured during the game. That makes it tough when you’re pretty thin to begin with. PCM’s a good football team and we’re not going to take anything away from them and not going to use anything as an excuse. They played well tonight and we didn’t. That’s the difference.”
PCM improves to 4-0 on the season and will host Chariton for homecoming to begin district play next Friday, while Pella Christian falls to 2-2 and will host Woodward Academy.