Explosive plays have been how Pella football has attained success on the field for the past decade, with some of the program’s most dynamic athletes scorching defenses during an historic run of district championships, UNI Dome appearances, and state championships.

But the 2021 Dutch bring uncertainty to how often they can make big plays on both sides of the ball after an inconsistent fall in 2020 to do so, and many of those key athletes graduating.

A core group of tremendous athletes finding success in other sports will try to make magic happen again, led by running backs Nolan Clayberg and Aidan Pollock.

The duo had flashes of success last fall for Pella, but Clayberg had difficulty staying on the field on a week-to-week basis and Pollock ended his fall with a major arm injury in the district championship game against Nevada.

Still, Head Coach Jay McKinstrey believes the duo may be the biggest key to offensive production and finding the end zone this season. Clayberg scored six times in 2020, including an 85 yard reception for a score against Harlan and a season long run of 56 yards. Pollock’s biggest play of last season was a 68 yard punt return for a touchdown against Nevada that helped the Dutch clinch a district title.

Pella is hosting an intrasquad Gatorade scrimmage tonight at Pella High School, with sports drinks needed for admission. All levels of football will participate starting at 7 p.m.