After a five-game district championship run to claim a playoff spot in 2019, the 2020 Pella Christian Eagles are hoping to get off to a faster start this football season, and they’ll do so tonight against a long time sports rival.

Pella Christian heads to Urbandale to take on Des Moines Christian in the season opener. With a veteran offensive line, several key returning playmakers, a speedy defensive front seven with plenty of experience, and the kicker and punter returning, the biggest question for the Eagles is the most important position on the field — the quarterback.

Head Coach Rich Kacmarynski says his son Isaac won the preseason QB competition, and with plenty of weapons and a solid front ahead of him, he’s hopeful the sophomore can ease into the role, despite the tough competition he expects from the Lions.

Pella Christian owns the all time series 5-2, dominating the last two matchups when the Eagles were on their way to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. But the 2020 Lions are in a different place, coming off of a playoff appearance last fall.

Coverage begins at Des Moines Christian High School in Urbandale at 6:30 p.m., with the opening kick at 7 on the KRLS2 stream at KNIAKRLS.com. Andrew Schneider will kickstart the Eagles season for the 7th straight year, joined by new color commentator and Pella Christian Head Basketball Coach J.D. Boer.