Raiders look to top Van Meter
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Friday night the Raiders host the number one ranked (RPI rankings) Van Meter Bulldogs while the Raiders sit at number six.
The Raiders rebounded from their Panorama loss with a 35-3 victory over the Clarinda Cardinals last week, whereas the Bulldogs are coming off a 20-0 win over the previously undefeated Panorama Panthers.
Van Meter is currently enjoying a 42 game regular season winning streak, dating back to the first game of the 2015 season and have not lost a district game since 2014.
History
A fairly young rivalry between the Raiders and Bulldogs, this will be their fifth ever meeting in a series the Bulldogs lead 3-1.
Their first contest was played in 2012, where the Raiders picked up a homecoming victory which helped Mount Ayr to a district championship.
In 2013, the tables had turned and the Bulldogs saw a 14-0 shutout over the Raiders, winning the district title that year as well as knocking Mount Ayr out of the state playoffs in the second round.
Last season, Van Meter defeated the Raiders 35-6 in Van Meter.
Scouting
The Van Meter Bulldogs are 7-0 and ranked first or second in all major polls. They have racked up 2,675 yards of total offense, 1,806 of those yards on the ground and 869 yards through the air.
Ian Abrahamson is back again this year as the Bulldogs leading rusher with 700 yards on 100 carries with 12 rushing touchdowns.
Anthony Potthoff also returns, under center, and has 498 yards on 67 carries while Dalten Van Pelt, a sophomore has found 314 yards on 42 carries.
Potthoff has completed 46-of-68 passes for 811 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
He has yet to throw an interception, while his go-to receiver, Kolby Booge has 10 catches for 121 yards. The Bulldogs have four receivers with over 100 yards and Potthoff has found 13 different receivers this season.
Coach Eric Trudo has crafted a strong defense in the 4-3 package.
Middle linebacker Parker Fryar leads the defense with 52 tackles, while Bryce Cole has 28 tackles, 13 for a loss and three sacks.
The Bulldog defense has forced 11 turnovers that include nine interceptions and two fumbles with one returned for a touchdown.
Zach Madden and Alex Jones combine for four interceptions, with two each, while Kobe Richards has the pick-6.
Madden also handles kicking duties, averaging 47 yards per kickoff and converting 27-of-31 extra point attempts.
Blade Kooms handles the punting, averaging 36.9 yards per punt.
Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m.
