The #6 Pella Christian football team nearly went blow-for-blow with the #2 Eagles of Underwood, but in a game of inches and close calls — the breaks ultimately tilted to the home team in a 47-28 state quarterfinals loss heard live on 92.1 KRLS Friday night.

While P.C. traded touchdowns with Underwood in the 1st quarter — including an 83 yard dash for Isaac Kacmarynski to the endzone, the defenses tightened in the 2nd, and the road team Eagles pushed the home squad into a deep 4th and 29 hole.

But a muffed punt turned pivotal, and Underwood took a slight advantage into the halftime break by six. Pella Christian never regained the lead despite several chances, due in large part to three costly interceptions. The road Eagles even forced a critical interception after bringing the game back to within a six-point margin late in the 3rd quarter, only for Underwood to get the ball back on a turnover three plays later. The high-octane home Eagles offense scored points off of all P.C. giveaways, including a game-sealing pick six in the 4th.

Peyton Ritzert finished his Eagles football career with three touchdowns — including a kickoff return for a score, and Isaac Kacmarynski rushed for 177 yards in his final game in the maroon and gold from Eagle Lane.

Pella Christian finished the 2022 season at 9-2 and in the state quarterfinals for the fourth time since 2016.