Photo courtesy of Troy L. Hugen Photography

Continuing our countdown of the top 10 sports moments from Pella Christian this past school year, the #5 spot took all 48 minutes and then some for the Eagles to defeat PCM 29-28 in the Highway 163 football rivalry on Friday, September 1st.

Benny Schirz put the Eagles up 7-0 midway through the first quarter with a two yard rushing touchdown. The Mustangs responded with two rushing scores to take a 21-7 lead at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Eagles quarterback Caleb Van Arendonk’s first career varsity touchdown pass to Camden Parker from 33 yards out made it 21-14 with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. With just a minute left in regulation, Schirz again found the endzone, this time from 25 yards out, to tie the game at 21-21 and send it to overtime.

Pella Christian was intercepted on their drive in the first overtime, but extended the game when Keegan Fopma blocked a PCM fourth and goal field goal attempt from the one yard line. In double overtime, the Mustangs again took the lead 28-21, but needing to answer, the Eagles turned to Schirz who scored his third touchdown of the night to make it 28-27. Pella Christian went back to the senior running back for the two-point conversion and Schirz muscled his way past the goal line to give the Eagles the one-point win.

Pella Christian finished the season with a 7-3 record, after falling to eventual state champions Grundy Center in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs.