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The upset kids did it again and for the first time in school history Pella will play for a Class 3A State football championship after knocking off 10th ranked New Hampton 30-21 in the semifinals last night at the UNI Dome. The game got off to a crazy start as New Hampton took the opening drive 80 yards in under two minutes to score and grab the early lead. Pella answered as Brett Bogaard returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards to tie the game at 7-7. The Pella defense scored on the next two possessions as Matt Meyers blocked a punt and Todd Weghter picked it up and ran 17 yards for a score, then on the next possession Pella’s defense forced a safety and before Pella’s offense ever stepped on the field the Little Dutch had 16 points on the board. The Little Dutch led 16-7 at halftime despite being outgained in total offense 237-52 and gaining just 13 yards on the ground. Pella coach Jay Mckinstrey says it takes a complete team effort to win championships and Pella got just that when it mattered most last night. [simage=948,200,y,right]
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Pella scored on their opening possession of the third quarter on a 12 yard pass from Blaine Forsythe to Josh Pringle but the Chickisaws answered back with a score and a 2 point conversion to make it 23-15. Forsythe then connected with Dekkar Lynch on a 45 yard screen pass to stretch the lead to 30-15 late in the third quarter. Mckinstrey says to win big games this late in the season you need to be creative and that’s a play Pella hasn’t run since the late 90’s. New Hampton got their final score with just over six minutes left to play and then Pella came up with two interceptions late in the game to ice the win. Mckinstrey says its very exciting for everyone involved to have a chance to play for the title. Pella has beaten the number 4, 7, 8 and 10 ranked teams in the post season to advance to the championship where they will face top ranked undefeated Harlan Saturday at 4:05pm at the UNI Dome

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