In the Pella football team’s quest to return to the postseason, the home team started district play with a 38-14 win over Carlisle, as heard live on 92.1 KRLS Friday.

The newly-found Dutch aerial attack flew down the field in the first two series of the game to take a 14-0 advantage, only for the Wildcats option to bust loose in the 2nd quarter and have a 65 yard run set up their first score. A late turnover forced by the Pella defense led to a 35 yard field goal by Luke Hardman as the half expired.

Carlisle responded with an opening half drive score following a big kick return to turn the contest to a three-point difference — but the Dutch dominated from there. Pella would score the next 21 points unanswered, which included a Carson Leathers pick-six.

Luke Hardman finished with 289 all-purpose yards and three passing touchdowns, and Colin Kerndt and Emmanuel Diers each scored twice on offense. Pella improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Class 4A District 4; they return to action on the road next Friday at Newton (KRLS2).