A magical fall season of Pella High School athletics and the illustrious coaching career of Jay McKinstrey will end in the UNI Dome after the Dutch football team avenged a week nine loss to Gilbert and defeated the Tigers 19-14, in a state quarterfinals matchup heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

Two weeks after Gilbert claimed the district title and spoiled a perfect season for the green and white, the home team flipped the script, especially on offense. The Tigers took what became a brief lead early in the 2nd quarter, only for the Dutch to answer in short order with a Colin Kerndt run.

Pella scored just a few plays into the 3rd quarter, set up by a 45 yard kick return by Riker Branderhorst, and finished with a big pass play to Harrison Mullens. Following one of five fourth down stops for the Dutch D, Kerndt scampered for his second rushing TD of the game. Rex Rhamy helped to seal the game late with a 4th down interception, and Kerndt capped the contest with a 4th and 1 conversion on offense.

Colin finished with 108 yards passing and 75 on the ground; Nate Warner tallied 15 tackles and Gage Branderhorst added 11 as the Dutch tried to contain Tigers standout Will Hawthorne, who they held to under 200 yards for the second time this fall.

Pella improves to 10-1 overall and advances to the Class 4A State Semifinals in Cedar Falls against Lewis Central. The game will be played Thursday at 4 p.m., with pregame coverage starting at 3:00 Thursday on 92.1 KRLS.