Few programs in Iowa High School football history carry the tradition of the two teams meeting in Pella tonight in a Class 3A Blueblood showdown.
No. 7 Pella welcomes No. 2 Harlan for a matchup between two of the richest histories when it comes to success in Iowa.
Harlan owns 12 state championships, including their most recent title in 2009 defeating the Dutch 35-14. Pella won three titles in an incredible 42 game winning streak from 2014-16, and tallying 108 victories in the past decade since that championship game loss.
The last time these two teams met, it was an epic at the UNI Dome, with Pella edging the Cyclones in a 41-39 semifinals game in 2017, with Pella jumping to a 35-0 lead, only for Harlan to rally back and nearly complete one of the biggest comebacks in Iowa High School football history.
Pella Head Coach Jay McKinstrey says tonight’s matchup features two teams again with eyes on a deep playoff run this October and November, looking to add to the incredible legacies of their respective programs.
The Dutch are looking to bounce back after falling 30-6 to now No. 1 DCG, while the Cyclones were dominant in their opener against previously-ranked Grinnell 40-28 last week.
Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on the KRLS2 stream at KNIAKRLS.com, with kickoff at 7:30. Andrew Schneider and Randy Sikkema will call the action from Pella High School.