Photo by Troy Hugen

While they are already locked into the playoffs, the Class 1A #7 ranked Pella Christian football team can secure second place in District 6 and a first-round playoff home game tonight with a win over the Central Decatur Cardinals.

The Eagles have dominated their last two games winning a combined 117-7, while the Cardinals dropped their first game in district play last week in a blowout 53-6 loss at Sigourney Keota. Tonight’s matchup between P.C. and Central Decatur features conflicting offensive schemes. The Eagles feature a top three rushing attack in Class 1A, while the Cardinals’ offense is more passing centric and ranks 7th in 1A in passing yards. While Pella Christian hasn’t faced many pass-heavy teams, head coach Rich Kacmarynski says his team has been preparing for this test all season.

“We haven’t necessarily seen it, but we have been preparing all year for this moment. We’ve been working on our pass rush every week. We’ve been working on our pass coverage every week. So, I feel like we’re ready for it. Obviously, we’re going to be tested, but I like our chances, I like what we’ve done. I think we have a good scheme. Obviously, one key, might be, can we get pressure with four guys. I think we can, but that’s going to be a key for us. If we can do that, then lay back with seven on pass coverage, that would be very helpful.”

Coverage of Pella Christian football at Central Decatur tonight begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Smash Park Radio Pregame Show on 92.1 KRLS, with kickoff to follow at 7 p.m.