It’s a rematch of the 2017 Class 3A State Championship game to start the playoffs tonight, when No. 14 Pella travels to No. 3 Xavier.

The two teams clashed to end the 2017 season, with the Saints capping off an undefeated season with a 31-13 win in the dome. It’s the second year in a row the Little Dutch have been in a state title game rematch in round one(Webster City, 2017)–a feat that had never happened before, Pella now has had happen twice in a row.

Pella comes in at 8-1, with their only loss to eventual District 7 champion Oskaloosa. Head Coach Jay McKinstrey tells KRLS Sports they are doing all they can to prepare for the game, against a Xavier team with few weaknesses.

“We’re going to need to get off to a great start,” he says. “You cannot get behind these guys because all they’re going to do is grind it out on you and they’re just going to take that offensive line and just smash it at you.”

“We’re hoping to get a big play somewhere — whether it be offense, defense, or special teams, maybe get a turnover or two early, or get a couple of key stops.”

Prior to the 2017 title game, the two teams met in the state semifinals twice at the dome, with the Little Dutch winning 27-0 in 2014 and in what is regarded as one of the best playoff games in state history, claiming a W on a last-second touchdown 34-30.

Coverage from Cedar Rapids begins at 6:30 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS, with Andrew Schneider and Randy Sikkema calling the action.