While there is no doubt that the end of the Pella Christian football season was heartbreaking and just short of the team’s first ever state title game appearance, the program’s growth in the last 14 years is fairly unprecedented.

The Eagles have been to the playoffs for 10 straight seasons, while only existing as a varsity squad for 12 and a program for 14.

Head Coach Rich Kacmarynski says they aim to become a perennial Dome team — and that starts with how the current junior class rebounds from the gut-wrenching loss.

“I think that motivation in every facet of life stems from hope. If a person has hope for a better future, they’re willing to work and put the effort in. That’s true whether you’re doing financial planning, your job, school or athletics. Pardon the pun, but I’m hopeful that this year’s junior class has hope for next year.”

Unlike last year’s uncertainty with the returning bunch, talent will be plentiful for the Eagles in 2018, with seven returning starters on offense and defense currently juniors or sophomores.

Pella Christian has improved their finish each of the last four seasons — finishing at 11-1 at the Dome this year, a 10-1 year in the final eight in 2016, 7-4 and in the final 16 in 2015, and first round playoff trips from 2011-14.