August is nearing it’s end and with that end comes the first days of school and Friday nights under the lights.
Last year, the Raiders competed in class 2A, finishing the season 7-3 and graduated 13 seniors. The 2019 campaign sees Mount Ayr drop to class 1A.
This year, co-head coaches Delwyn Showlater and Derek Lambert look toward another trip to the UNI-Dome but must first get through the nine game season that kicks off November 30 against Nodaway Valley in Mount Ayr for the annual “Battle for the Rock”.
The Raiders are entering their 19th year under coaches Showalter and Lambert and boast a career record of 128-56.
Assisting coach Showalter and Lambert are James Smith, Daniel Showalter, Lucas Smith and Brad Elliott.
The Raiders bring back experience in multiple positions.
“Van Meter will be solid once again,” said coach Showalter on the prediction of the Pride of Iowa. “Great tradition, great coaching and great athletes. They will be one of the top teams in the state and certainly have a good chance to finish their season in the Dome. Everyone in the district returns a good nucleus from last year so I anticipate some very competitive games. After Van Meter it’s a toss up. The teams that are able to stay healthy and take care of details in the close contests will have success.”
The Raiders have scheduled Homecoming for September 27 against West Central aValley this season.
