The Newton Cardinal Football team lost to the Pella Dutch 35-28 last night. The Cardinals fought back after trailing 27-7 at half. The Pella passing attack of Colin Kerndt to Tyson Barnes accounted for three first half touchdowns. Running back Qhjuan Coley accounted for Newton’s only first half score; it was a three-yard touchdown run. Newton cut the lead to 27-14 with about five minutes left in the 3rd quarter on a sevenyard Coley touchdown run. Newton was driving inside Pella territory when a fumble by Caden Klein was recovered by Pella. The Dutch then drove 82 yards in 19 plays for a touchdown, to make the score 35-14 with 6:45 left in the game. Newton would score two more times. A Qhjuan Coley one-yard run and a Klein to Coley 27 yard pass made it 35-28. Then with just under 3 minutes left, a Newton onside kick was recovered by the Dutch. Pella then ran out the clock. Newton Head Coach Andy Swedenhjelm felt his team played much better in the second half because they got back to running the ball.

“We got back to what we do best. Our kids are tough and have great character. I love working with them and they are not going to quit. I am really proud of their effort and proud of what they do.”

The Cardinals are now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the District. Newton hosts Carlisle next Friday night.