Two teams that have each made back-to-back trips to the UNI-Dome square off in class 1A’s marquee matchup tonight on Eagle Lane.

Seventh-ranked Pella Christian, who has made it to two straight semifinals, will take on number three Van Meter, the 2017 champ who also bowed out in the semis a year ago.

P.C. is coming off a tough season opening loss to class 3A Oskaloosa a week ago, while the Bulldogs handled Earlham fairly easily.  A loss would drop the Eagles to 0-2, but Coach Rich Kacmarynski says that he’s more focused on the opportunity to take the field against a quality opponent.

“I’m a competitive guy, and I like to win as much as anybody, but I think it’s more important for us to play well and be competitive.  Van Meter is a fine program and a good team, but I don’t think this is a must win situation. With the playoff system the way it is in Iowa, if we win our district, we’re in the playoffs.”

Tonight’s game will kick off at 7:00 at Pella Christian High School.  Trevor Castle and Larry Hessing will call the action, beginning with pregame at 6:30 on the KRLS2 stream at www.kniakrls.com.