This is a very intriguing matchup. Some history between the two teams as they played almost yearly for quite some time as they liked to matchup in non-district games. But, recently has become much more heated. Played twice last year with Washington winning the quarterfinal game convincingly. First game this year, Pella won 35-0, but was a much closer game then that. Washington actually outgained Pella and moved the ball very well between the 20's, just couldn't punch it in. Pella got some big plays (as they have every game) to win it.
Washington has been rolling in last half of the season and have much confidence going into this game. They have been gunning for Pella again since week #1.
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They beat Carlisle pretty soundly last night, rolling up over 400 yards of rushing. Pella hasn't skipped a beat either, rolling up the score on almost everybody they have played. Pella is well rested and healthy. They have no injuries at this point. In fact, the starters haven't played in the second half since 6 games ago. That does bring up the concern of game conditioning, but the trade off is being well rested and injury free which can be a rarity this time of year.
I'm guessing that the quarterfinal game from last year is also on the minds of the Dutch. They have been coasting along, but now have a significantly motivating factor (as if getting to the dome isn't enough) for the game on Friday.
I think this will be a tough, grind it out kind of game. The score will be much closer then week #1. Washington has improved significantly, but so has Pella. Whichever side can limit the big plays will win. Pella's D has been very stout this year and is very tough to run on, so something will have to give. They have given up some yards to mobile QB's, but RB's have gained very few yards this year against them.
I like Pella in the matchup this time, but wouldn't be surprised if it is a one touchdown game.
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Washington has been rolling in last half of the season and have much confidence going into this game. They have been gunning for Pella again since week #1.
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They beat Carlisle pretty soundly last night, rolling up over 400 yards of rushing. Pella hasn't skipped a beat either, rolling up the score on almost everybody they have played. Pella is well rested and healthy. They have no injuries at this point. In fact, the starters haven't played in the second half since 6 games ago. That does bring up the concern of game conditioning, but the trade off is being well rested and injury free which can be a rarity this time of year.
I'm guessing that the quarterfinal game from last year is also on the minds of the Dutch. They have been coasting along, but now have a significantly motivating factor (as if getting to the dome isn't enough) for the game on Friday.
I think this will be a tough, grind it out kind of game. The score will be much closer then week #1. Washington has improved significantly, but so has Pella. Whichever side can limit the big plays will win. Pella's D has been very stout this year and is very tough to run on, so something will have to give. They have given up some yards to mobile QB's, but RB's have gained very few yards this year against them.
I like Pella in the matchup this time, but wouldn't be surprised if it is a one touchdown game.
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