Pella’s Noah Clayberg (No. 3) rolls out of the pocket as former Demon Tama Leutele attempts to track him down during last November’s Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game. Photo courtesy of Susan Harshman, Washington Demon Football.

The Washington Demon football team was among several squads across the state who had problems stopping Pella Little Dutch dual threat quarterback Noah Clayberg in 2014. The returning all-state senior attempted 18 passes in the pair of games against the Demons last year, throwing for 130 yards, connecting on three touchdowns and one interception.

The Little Dutch signal caller made more of an impact with his legs, rushing for 276 yards on 17 carries and scoring three additional touchdowns. His effort helped Pella to a 35-0 season opening victory over Washington at Case Field last August, and assisted in ending the Demons’ season, 31-14, in the Class 3A state quarterfinal in November. Pella went on to finish the 2014 season 14-0, claiming the Class 3A state championship.

Little Dutch head football coach Jay McKinstrey says Clayberg is an exceptional person, “He is a young man who makes good choices off the field, and he carries himself in a way that you would be proud of him as your own son.” McKinstrey said, “He is a very dynamic, very athletic football player and anytime he has the football in his hands, he is a threat to take it to the endzone.

With Clayberg among the 20 returning seniors from last year’s state championship team, many media outlets have named Pella the preseason No. 1 team in Class 3A football. The Demons are set to face the Little Dutch this Friday. Live play-by-play coverage at Pella High School begins with a special Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 6 p.m. on FM 106.1 and online at KCIIRadio.com.