In a second consecutive top ten showdown, it was a heartbreaking end for Pella in a 21-18 loss to Harlan, as heard live on the KRLS2 stream.

The Dutch opened with an 85-yard catch and run from Ryan Mace to Nolan Clayberg on the first play from scrimmage, but were unable to capture that exposure momentum with many players falling due to cramps and injuries throughout. Harlan hit three home run passes that were the difference, all three caught by Aidan Ryan, and Pella couldn’t overcome four turnovers and a missed TD chance just before the half. Jason Knox and Mace connected near the end of the 3rd quarter and Nick DeJong scored after another big pass play, but the Dutch couldn’t close out the comeback.

Preston Rowe and Grant Nelson had a sack each and combined for five stops behind the line of scrimmage, and Mace finished with 312 yards passing with two scores and three interceptions.

Pella falls to 0-2 and heads to the Red Rock Rivalry and Ken Locke Stadium next week for Knoxville.