Pella High School’s football team is gearing up to face off against Clear Creek-Amana in the Class 4A Playoffs First Round at Schipper Stadium in Pella. With a record of 8-1, Pella is ranked No. 3, while Clear Creek-Amana, with a record of 6-3, is ranked No. 11. The Dutch have a historical advantage over the Clippers, winning their previous matchups in 2021 and 2022.
In their last game against Gilbert, Pella struggled to put points on the board, largely due to the defense neutralizing star running back Emmanuel Diers. To secure a victory against Clear Creek-Amana, Pella will need Diers to return to his usual dominant form in both the running and passing game. Clear Creek-Amana boasts a strong defense, ranking second in interceptions in 4A with 16.
The Dutch will also need to bounce back from their first loss of the season and adjust their game plan accordingly. Facing Clear Creek-Amana’s dual-threat quarterback Conlan Poynton, who has been responsible for the majority of the team’s offensive touchdowns this season, Pella’s defense will have their work cut out for them. Poynton has proven to be a versatile player, excelling in both passing and running the ball. Pella will need to contain him while reestablishing their offensive momentum, particularly by getting their running game with Diers and quarterback Colin Kerndt back on track.
Looking ahead, a potential rematch with Gilbert looms for Pella if they advance to the next round. Coach Jay McKinstrey will be looking to lead his team to victory and keep their playoff run alive. Fans can catch the action on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Schipper Stadium in Pella.
For more information on the game or the Pella High School football team, reach out to Colin Peters at cpeters@oskyherald.com or follow him on Twitter @ColinPetersOH.
