Pocahontas, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – Pocahontas Area opened up their season at home against Sioux Central in an all KICD 9-County area matchup.

It was a high scoring game, specifically in the 1st quarter. Pocahontas Area jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a Coen Hammen Touchdown run. The Rebels answered with a 13-play drive that inhaled almost 8 minutes of game clock. Max Wittmack capped off the drive with a 1-yard Touchdown run. For as long as that drive was for Sioux Central, PAC answered with a 1 play, 11 second drive where Karson Welander scored to put Pocahontas Area back in front at 14-6.

Things calmed down in the 2nd quarter till the final 3 minutes. On a 16-play drive that took up almost 8 minutes, Karson Welander scored on an 80-yard Touchdown run to extend Pocahontas Area’s led to 16. Sioux Central put together a quick drive late though, with Sawyer Hollesen knocking through a field goal, making the score 22-9 at the half.

Sioux Central got an 87-yard Touchdown run from Max Wittmaack to open the 2nd half, getting the Rebels back within a score.

Pocahontas Area came back with a Cabe Halligan Touchdown pass to Andrew Greenfield, making it 28-16.

Wittmack scored again for Sioux Central in the 4th quarter to get back within 6, but Pocahontas Area continued to keep the Rebels at an arms distance, with Welander picking up another Touchdown.

The Rebels scored once more, but Pocahontas Area came away with the 36-29 win, their first against Sioux Central since 2023.

In the loss for the Rebels, Max Wittmack had a busy night, carrying the football 42 times for 257 yards and 4 Touchdowns. Sioux Central ended up outgaining Pocahontas Area in the loss 407-401.

Pocahontas Area’s Karson Welander ran the ball 19 times for 209 yards and 3 Touchdowns in a dominant effort. Coen Hammen was strong under center for PAC, totaling 187 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown.

After the 0-1 start to the year, Sioux Central will have their hands full on the road next week against the top ranked team in Class A West Sioux.

Pocahontas Area will try and stay unbeaten when they visit Lawton-Bronson next week.