Pella Knights Fall to Des Moines Blaze for Second Time in Three Weeks
The Pella Knights suffered a second loss in three weeks to the Des Moines Blaze Saturday night
Pella, Iowa — A much different storyline came out of their second meeting against the best team in the league, but unfortunately another loss was posted as the Pella Knights lost 31-14 to the Des Moines Blaze in Midwest Football Alliance action Saturday night.
Just as it did in the first contest, Pella (3-3) fell behind against the Blaze (6-0), allowing the visitors to score all 17 first-half points. The Knights played solid defense early, but their offense was inept, and combined with snapping issues, Des Moines blew out to a big advantage. The hosts were in the red entering intermission at -12 total yards and fumbled two punt attempts through the endzone for Blaze safeties. Des Moines also scored a touchdown with a pair of field goals for the 17-0 halftime edge.
A spirited Knight squad came out for the third quarter and despite what the scoreboard showed, the purple, black, and silver outplayed the undefeated Blaze for the final 30 minutes. After a four-and-out opening possession, Pella got it going with a four-play, 56-yard drive. It ended with a lost fumble, but some semblance of success was finally achieved.
That momentum continued for the next three drives, resulting in two scoring drives of 64 and 38 yards. Jarred Lackey (Somerton, Ariz.) rushed for the first score, hitting paydirt from 15 yards out. Trent McDermott (Centerville) found Denzel VanSant (Brooklyn) for an 18-yard pass play for the second touchdown.
The Blaze countered with two second-half touchdowns on their only two solid drives (27 and 52 yard possessions). The Knight defense was dominant the remainder of the way, limiting Des Moines to drives of 9, 6, 0, and -13 yards.
McDermott aired it out for 164 yards on 11-of-18 passing. Lackey completed two attempts for 15 yards and also rushed for a team-best 25 yards. DeMarco Sanders topped the receiving corps with four receptions for 93 yards.
The Blaze finished with a 289-175 advantage in total yards, even with Pella owning a 187-96 margin in the second half. Des Moines was forced into three turnovers, while Pella had two giveaways.
Dale Woods (Southaven, Miss.) and Gabe Washington (Des Moines) paced the defense with seven tackles each, while Jeff Little (Ottumwa) had six tackles, including three sacks. Washington and Rich St. Firmin (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) both recorded interceptions, while Dez Jones (Highland Park, Mich.) recovered a Des Moines fumble.
Score: Des Moines Blaze 31, Pella Knights 14
Trent McDermott: 11-18, 164 yds, 1 TD
Jarred Lackey: 11 carries, 25 yds, 1 TD
DeMarco Sanders: 4 catches, 93 yds
Denzel VanSant: 2 catches, 33 yds, 1 TD
Dale Woods: 7 tackles, 3 for loss
Gabe Washington: 7 tackles, 1 interception
Jeff Little: 6 tackles, 3 sacks
Rich St. Firmin: 6 tackles, 1 interception
