The #2 ranked Dallas Center-Grimes football team opened the 2020 campaign at home Friday night taking on a familiar foe in #1 Pella. Before the game had begun both teams were victorious as they successfully navigated Covid regulations and guidelines just to get to this game. Even though restrictions were placed on the number of spectators the Stable was sold out and well represented by both sides.
The Mustangs opened the scoring in the 1st quarter when running back Zach Brand rumbled for a 24 yard touchdown. Following the extra point by Ben Jackson the score was 7-0. Pella answered with a touchdown of their own just before half with a 12 yard pass. The Mustangs were able to block the extra point and held a 7-6 lead heading into halftime.
The Mustangs came out with an aerial assault in the second half when Caden Grimes hauled in a Ty Walker 29 yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 14-6. The Mustang defense got involved in the 3rd quarter scoring after a holding penalty in the end zone resulted in a safety (16-6).
As the 4th quarter wound down the Mustangs widened the gap following touchdown passes from Houston Halverson to Ty Walker (9 yards) and from Ty Walker to Ben Elfvin (12 yards). The final tally on the season opener was #2 DCG 30 - #1 Pella 6.
Leading the way for the Mustang offense was Zach Brand providing 140 yards rushing on 31 carries and 1 touchdown while adding 5 receptions for 40 yards. Ty walker found 4 different receivers going 12/20, 122 yards and 2 touchdown passes. Walker also added 3 carries for 20 yards. Caden Grimes led the receivers hauling in 3 catches for 35 yards. Kicker Ben Jackson was 4 for 4 on extra points tallying 4 points for the team.
The Mustang defense was led by Middle Linebacker Blake Wiley. Wiley produced 8 tackles, 1 assist and 1 blocked extra point. 18 Mustangs recorded tackles as Outside Linebacker Josh Hendricks added 5 tackles with 1 assist. The Mustangs held Pella to only 7 first downs, 85 yards rushing and 81 yards passing while forcing 1 fumble and blocking 2 kicks.
The Mustangs will open the 2020 road campaign this Friday September 4th @ 7:30 PM. The Mustangs will make the short trip across the Mile Long Bridge to face North Polk. This will be the first ever meeting between the friendly neighbors.