Photo courtesy of Troy L. Hugen Photography

The 2023 football season at Pella Christian wrapped up Friday night, and multiple Eagles finished as statistical leaders in Class 1A District 6.

Offensively, senior Caleb Van Arendonk finished with 13 passing touchdowns, leading the district in his first season ever playing quarterback. Additionally, senior running back Benny Schirz led in rushing yards per carry with 8.4 and fellow senior Trevor Veenstra was tied for first in two-point conversions with four on the season. 

On defense, Veenstra led the district in total tackles with 63, one more than junior teammate Cooper Spronk. Veenstra also led the district in sacks with 7.5, tackles for loss with 22.5, and solo tackles with 50. Playing safety for the Pella Christian defense, Schirz was one of just two players to return an interception for a touchdown, tying Ike Molyneux from Sigourney Keota for the district lead. 

For the Pella Christian special teams units, Camden Parker was the district leader in touchbacks with 10, while Veenstra was the leader in yards per return with 79.5. Schirz also was the district leader for longest kick-off return for touchdown, opening the season with a 95-yard score against Des Moines Christian.

Pella Christian finished the 2023 season with a 7-3 record overall and graduates 10 seniors from this year’s team.