One year ago, the Pella Christian football team opened the 2020 season in Urbandale against a long-time athletics rival. Tonight, the No. 8 in Class 1A Eagles make the same trip against the same foe as the new Iowa High School Athletic Association schedule cycle begins against Des Moines Christian.

A one-year cycle last year put P.C. on the road to Des Moines Christian, and the non-district matchup kept the Eagles on the road to the same spot again. Many of the faces of the 2020 Eagles who made their varsity debut last August are back one year stronger, faster, and wiser, according to Head Coach Rich Kacmarynski, as the Eagles return many key starters in the skill positions.

The 2020 matchup was uneven — with Pella Christian committing key turnovers and the Lions recovering two onside kicks in what turned out to be a DMC 29-24 win. The Eagles own the all-time series 5-3 and look to get back on track this evening. Coverage of Pella Christian vs. Des Moines Christian football begins at 6:30 p.m. on the KRLS2 stream, with the opening kickoff of 2021 at 7 p.m.