Pella and Knoxville clashed for the 81st time in the Red Rock rivalry game heard on KNIA and KRLS.

The Little Dutch won 34-10 after a series of plays late in the first half changed the complexion of a contest controlled by Knoxville early. The Panthers struck first with a Jacob Zuck to Rylan Cox score, but costly penalties did not allow them to expand their lead beyond three.

Pella’s power wildcat formation took over from there, with Reece Schnell ripping off an 87 yard score, the first of four on the night.

A pivotal two minutes came at the end of the first half into the early third quarter, with Pella scoring three times on four plays in that time frame, including a back breaking Ryan Gustafson to Curtis Ware hail mary TD right before the halftime break sandwiched by a pair Schnell rumbles for six.

Little Dutch Head Coach Jay McKinstrey tells KNIA/KRLS Sports scoring points right before and after the break busted the game open.

“We’re up 14-10 and we score in that last play on a long throw, it was an exciting play…what a great pass and catch from Ryan [Gustafson] and Curtis [Ware], and to come out and score on the first play of the second half, it has to be hard on your opponent,” he says.

Knoxville Coach Eric Kellar says several break downs on defense allowed Pella to gain extra yardage on key plays.

Pella’s Schnell finished with 322 yards and four touchdowns. Pella is 5-1 and 4-0 in the district, while Knoxville falls to 2-4 and 0-4 in district action.

The Little Dutch return home to host Norwalk for Paint the Stands Pink, and Knoxville will look to snap their losing streak for homecoming against North Polk.