Not much chatter about the championship game. Even Pella's coach has commented that it is a "wierd" situation going into this game playing a rival. Norwalk and Pella have played nearly every year since the late 90's. They are both in the Little Hawkeye Conference and are rivals in many sports as they both tend to field very competitive teams. Thus, they know each other well. Will be interesting to see how this affects the game. I think this is an advantage for Norwalk. Pella's speed will not surprise them. They matched up earlier this year on a blustery, windy night in Norwalk with Pella winning 21-0. Easily, the best defensive performance against Pella. That probably announced to the rest of the state that the Warrior's D was for real. Norwalk's issues that night were offensive. They just couldn't move the ball. Pella jammed the WRs and Norwalk struggled. They also struggled running the ball.
Game outlook:
Norwalk- That D needs to step up big again and try to make Pella throw it. You won't stop Clayberg, but keep him to modest gains instead of 76 yard runs. He can throw, but I think the passing game is generally the lesser of two evils. Also, I look for Norwalk's offense to move the ball better this time. If Pella jams the receivers then that invites a long pass. Last time Norwalk didn't take advantage, this time I think they will. Pella has given up some long TD passes in the playoffs. Have to, have to, have to, limit Pella's big plays, especially early in the game. If Pella jumps on them early and is up by 3 scores in first half, will be tough to recover.
Pella- Same old, same old. Move the ball, big plays, keep pressure on Norwalk to try and keep up. The D has given up some big plays in the playoffs and have struggled some against the run. Norwalk isn't as effective with the run as WD or Creston, but you have to respect it. If Pella's D can contain the passing game then it will roll. A concern will be a let down after big semifinal game and then facing a rival in the finals. Pella has beaten Norwalk 13 times in a row. Last Norwalk win was in 1999, so has been one sided.
Norwalk is on a roll. Very impressive win over SBL. But, Pella's offense has been playing at a different level. I expect a close, competitive game and could be Pella's closest, most competitive game of the year. Will go with Pella finishing with back-to-back titles 31-21.
Game outlook:
Norwalk- That D needs to step up big again and try to make Pella throw it. You won't stop Clayberg, but keep him to modest gains instead of 76 yard runs. He can throw, but I think the passing game is generally the lesser of two evils. Also, I look for Norwalk's offense to move the ball better this time. If Pella jams the receivers then that invites a long pass. Last time Norwalk didn't take advantage, this time I think they will. Pella has given up some long TD passes in the playoffs. Have to, have to, have to, limit Pella's big plays, especially early in the game. If Pella jumps on them early and is up by 3 scores in first half, will be tough to recover.
Pella- Same old, same old. Move the ball, big plays, keep pressure on Norwalk to try and keep up. The D has given up some big plays in the playoffs and have struggled some against the run. Norwalk isn't as effective with the run as WD or Creston, but you have to respect it. If Pella's D can contain the passing game then it will roll. A concern will be a let down after big semifinal game and then facing a rival in the finals. Pella has beaten Norwalk 13 times in a row. Last Norwalk win was in 1999, so has been one sided.
Norwalk is on a roll. Very impressive win over SBL. But, Pella's offense has been playing at a different level. I expect a close, competitive game and could be Pella's closest, most competitive game of the year. Will go with Pella finishing with back-to-back titles 31-21.
