Our countdown of the top ten moments from Pella athletics in the past academic year doesn’t start with a win, but does include one of the best defensive efforts in the football program’s history.

The Pella offense could not get firing until late in a 14-6 loss to eventual 3A state champion Xavier in instant classic heard live on 92.1 KRLS on October 26th. The Dutch D was, however, phenomenal in holding the Saints under their season averages in points per game–44, and yards per play, giving up just two big plays that would ultimately make the difference.

Pella forced two turnovers, but on offense, gave away two interceptions and had two drives stall deep in Xavier territory. The Dutch offensive points came late in the 4th quarter, with a trick play touchdown from Gabe Thomas throwing to Logan Shetterly, and Pella had 4th and goal at the 8 in the final minute of the contest after converting on three straight 4th downs, but they couldn’t find paydirt.

Head Coach Jay McKinstrey said after the contest it was one of the most inspired performances he’s seen from his teams over the years, given how big of underdogs they were to the defending champions.

“They held nothing back,” McKinstrey says. “Our guys did leave it on the field tonight, my goodness, I’m so proud of them, for what they did–they never gave up or surrendered.”

Pella finished the season for the first time since 2013 outside of the confines of the UNI Dome, at 8-2 overall.