Recap, Reaction: Pella Heading Back to 4A Title Game

Pella’s Nate Warner makes a tackle against Sergeant Bluff-Luton during the state semifinals on Nov. 13, 2025 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Redzone)

Rob Howe November 13, 2025 @ 07:26 PM

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Emmanuel Diers Emmanuel Diers 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Pella | 2026 State IA enjoyed going off in last year's Class 4A state semifinals so much that the Pella running back decided on an encore Thursday night in the same round. The senior carried 33 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-14 victory against Sergeant Bluff-Luton.

"It's a different feeling," Dutch quarterback Michael Manning Michael Manning 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB/DB Pella | 2026 IA said about handing the ball off to Diers. "I was watching him run down the sideline, I was like, it is good to be on his side."

Manning enjoyed one of his better games of the season, completing 14 of 18 throws for 157 yards and a touchdown against an interception. He fought through some ups and downs as a first-year starter but has helped his team back to the state championship game.

"I'm so proud of him," junior receiver Kyler VanDenBroek said. "Words can't describe how much love I have for that guy, the amount of trust we have in him. We know being the quarterback for the Pella Dutch, he had big shoes to step into, but we know that he's capable."

The Pella offensive line was opening big holes for Diers to run through. When they weren't there, he made slipped tacklers.

"I feel powerful because I know the guys up front are going to do their job, and I know people trust in me," Diers said. "Just knowing that my coaches are willing to give me the ball, it makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel strong. I feel like I got to do something. I got to make someone miss."

Sergeant Bluff-Luton reached the 4A semifinals a year after making the 3A semis. The school with the second smallest enrollment in its classification proved a lot.

"Definitely proud," Warrior senior quarterback Isaiah Jervik Isaiah Jervik 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2026 IA said. "Later down the line, I'll definitely look back at this and be grateful. I really love those guys in that locker room, and we came a long way."