The huge advantage in the special teams in the contest between the Pella Christian Eagles and Interstate 35 Roadrunners became apparent in the opening seconds. Pella's kickoff specialist was able to pin the hometown Roadrunners in the hole by booting the ball to the return team's one yard line where it was fumbled a few times before gaining three yards. After failing to move the ball for the first down, an error in special teams on a snap gave the Eagles a two point safety. The two points opened a flood gate of momentum that the Roadrunners were never able to overcome and homecoming ended in defeat 43-0.
Blitzing linebackers were a constant problem for Interstate's line and a speedy Eagle defense was able to hold Roadrunner running backs to only ten yards rushing. With the running game held down, the Roadrunners went to the air 20 times for 13 completions and 104 yards. Sophomore Briar Vogel was the main target taking in five receptions for 30 yards.
By the end of the first quarter the visiting Eagles had already reached a 23-0 lead. The Roadrunners answered back by stiffening on the goal line twice and only allowing one more touchdown in the half. The defense attempted to switch momentum on a wicked hit on the Eagles leading rusher by Colton Hurst who put all of his 6'3'' 280+ frame into the unlucky ball carrier. Another 13 points were allowed in the second half. With the odds of a comeback not in their favor, Interstate kept fighting back.
A positive note for the night came from senior Ryan Deuel, who averaged almost 40 yards per punt. This was an incredible feat after one punt was almost blocked in the second quarter.
The Roadrunners will need to improve tackling and ball possession as they travel to Clarinda who is coming off of a huge win against Bondurant-Farrar last Friday.
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