A longtime rivalry on the gridiron renews for the first time in three seasons as the Pella football team (2-2) hosts Carlisle (1-3) in the Class 4A District Four Opener.

While the Dutch have adequately celebrated a signature win for the program over the defending 4A champions last week in Xavier, their attention turns to ensuring they have a spot in the postseason after missing the final 16 the past two seasons. To do so, Pella will likely have to win at least four of their five district games — and that begins against a Wildcats team that is largely different from their 2022 UNI Dome squad. However, the Dutch are on high alert after Carlisle knocked off Indianola 17-6 last week.

The Wildcats still employ their signature option offense, led by senior quarterback Tate Heidemann and his 575 all purpose yards, with Caleb Nordhagen serving as the primary running back with 258 yards. The Dutch own the Bound era series 11-3 against Carlisle.

Coverage of Pella football’s district opener begins at 6:30 this evening on 92.1 KRLS and the Pella Dutch Live YouTube channel.