The two preseason favorites in class 1A District 6 square off tonight when Pella Christian (4-0, 1-0) travels east to take on Sigourney-Keota (2-2, 1-0).

The Cobras handed P.C. its only loss of the regular season last year, 20-13, but it’s now a much different Sigourney-Keota team personnel wise.

In that contest a year ago, the Cobras rushed the ball 60 times for 287 yards, while attempting just three passes. However, every player who touched the ball for Sigourney-Keota has graduated. It’s still the same run heavy approach, as the Cobras keep it on the ground on nearly 90-percent of their plays and average 270 yards on the ground per game.

Meanwhile, Pella Christian continues to top the class 1A rushing charts, leading in both yards (347 per game) and touchdowns (22). Coach Rich Kacmarynski says that Sigourney-Keota was more physical than his club in last year’s game, and that has been a point of motivation for his team.

“Whether it be in the weight room or any schemes that we put in offensively or defensively, I would say that we pointed to this game and said that we need to be more physical”, Kacmarynski said. “I would say thus far that we’ve been able to do that. I think our defense has been way more physical this year and I think our offensive line has been way more physical this year. This is the acid test as you might say. I like my team and where we’re at, so we just need to go out and execute tonight.”

Kickoff is tonight at 7:00 at Sigourney-Keota High School. Trevor Castle and JD Boer will call the action live on 92.1 KRLS and the free KNIA/KRLS app, beginning with pregame at 6:30.