A former Pella High standout is ending his collegiate football career on a high note.

Drake Defensive Lineman Nathan Clayberg wa named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the year. The senior had nine and a half tackles for loss, three and a half sacks, six pass breakups, and two blocked kicks for the 7-3 Drake football team, who lead the conference in team defense. Clayberg will end his playing career this Saturday in Ames against the Iowa State Cyclones, in what amounts to a week one makeup for the No. 25 ranked team in FBS. Clayberg said in a press conference Monday he’s aware of the challenge the 3rd place team in the Big 12 brings, but he looks forward to a special moment to end his playing career.

“This is a historic moment. Drake and Iowa State haven’t played since 1985, and it’s very likely that they’ll never play again. Even more so, Drake’s getting to play an FBS team in an FBS stadium…what a special way to go out.”

Joining Clayberg at Jack Trice Stadium is 2015 Pella graduate Will Warner. Warner was named as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. The safety is second in the nation in interceptions this season with eight.

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