(Van Meter) Van Meter’s regular season win streak is up to 58 games ahead of a big Week 8 clash with ACGC. Both teams are undefeated and the winner will earn the Class 1A, District7 title. We’ll have it for you on 96.5 FM KSOM.
The Bulldogs haven’t been scored upon since Week 3, but ACGC statistically will be their toughest opponent since beating Winterset 28-13. It’s no secret the Chargers like to run the football. Here’s Van Meter coach Eric Trudo, “I think everybody in the state knows they run the ball really, really well. They lead all classes in rushing yards and I think lead all 11-man classes in rushing touchdowns. They are big and physical up front. They hit you with #42 at fullback who is 220 pounds so they are going to pound it at you. Their quarterback is a nice athlete as well has their two halfbacks so they have kind of a four headed monster to hit you with so we are going to have to play really disciplined.”
Van Meter’s defense has been up for any and all tasks, especially in district play. In fact, over the last four games Van Meter has allowed only 99 total yards. The defense is allowing 6.5 rushing yards per game in district play. “Our run defense has been solid this year. It’s because of a team approach and everyone doing their job. That’s something we have to remain committed to against ACGC.
Coach Trudo comments on the key to that defensive success. “This season I would say it has been how well the kids enjoy playing with each other. They are really doing a nice job of complementing each other and not caring about who gets the credit in any way shape or form whether it be offensively or defensively. They are just focused on going out there and doing what’s best for the team. Our front eight of our defense has been especially strong for us.”
Collectively they have 54 tackles for loss and nine sacks along with 12 turnovers forced. The offense holds up their end of the bargain as well with an average of 48 points per game. Over 350 of their 418 total yards last week came on the ground. “Continuing to establish the run game. We are always trying to improve in that area. Everything for us works off of that. It’s no secret Dalten Van Pelt and Jack Pettit are excellent in the backfield for us. We are going to run inside zone and see how we can do and then everything flows off of that.”
Van Meter is clearly a team capable of making a deep postseason run once again, but all of their attention right now is on ACGC. “We don’t look too much into the future. I know that can be a pretty vanilla answer, but right now the goal that we have is being the best for our next game, which is ACGC. It’s the biggest game on the schedule because it’s our next game on the schedule.”
The regular season win streak for Van Meter is the 3rd longest in Iowa history. It trails only Harlan, with 66 in a row from 1985-92, and West Branch, with 62 in a row from 1990-97.
Van Meter coach Eric Trudo:
