Iowa Team Preview | Top Contender: Pleasant Valley

Ben Salomon

August 10, 2021 @ 01:16 PM

Take a look as Prep Redzone Iowa previews some of the state’s top contenders who, at least on paper, have what it takes to push for a title. From 5A down there are plenty of programs who have what it takes to challenge the reigning champions. Will any of these squads take it all? We start with the Pleasant Valley Spartans who are loaded with talent on each side of the ball. Recap The Spartans ran the table last regular season collecting some high profile victories against teams like North Scott, Muscatine, and Bettendorf. The young roster really seemed to gel as the season progressed on their way to a semifinal appearance where they ran into the juggernaut that is Southeast Polk. With a ton of key players coming back it seems that Pleasant Valley could take on that very same role and be a force to be reckoned with in the 2021-2022 season. Outlook There is no shortage of experienced, talented players across the board for this year’s Spartan team. With a taste of a deep playoff run fresh in their memory one has to think they are as prepared as anyone to deal with high pressure, adverse situations. Maturity and leadership plays a pivotal role in programs who are trying to get to the top and Pleasant Valley certainly has it. They open the season with a potential game of the week matchup in Prairie, which will be an excellent way to see exactly where the Spartans are at and what can be expected from them in the early part of the season. They will be competing in one of the more challenging districts you’ll find in this fall’s landscape; each week will present a new challenge. The Spartans will head to Pennsylvania week 8 to face a traditional Powerhouse out east in the Freedom Area Bulldogs before wrapping up the regular season with a quarterfinal rematch against Iowa City West. The Spartans undoubtedly will be as battle tested as anyone heading into the playoffs. Notable Returning Starters Pleasant Valley has a number of elite, high-caliber players coming back including: Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="98700" first="Barrett" last="Lindmark"], Running Backs [player_tooltip player_id="152704" first="Caden" last="McDermott"], Malik Gilmore, and [player_tooltip player_id="152754" first="Makhi" last="Wilson"], Offensive Linemen [player_tooltip player_id="99933" first="Luke" last="Vonderhaar"], [player_tooltip player_id="148456" first="Aidan" last="Kilstrom"], and Ryan Saddler Jr., Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="105152" first="Rusty" last="VanWetzinga IV"], and Defensive End [player_tooltip player_id="105139" first="Andrew" last="DePaepe"]. The way this coaching staff has developed their roster lately there are sure to be a handful of new names that emerge as big time, impact players. Strengths Of the many strengths, the biggest asset on this team is their Offensive Line; they are right there at the top as one of the best units in Iowa. They execute exceptionally well and the familiarity they have established playing with one another is invaluable. They are big, quick, physical, and are some of the most technically proficient blockers around. Expect the Spartans to pound the rock this year behind their elite Offensive Line. Lindmark, McDermott, Gilmore, and Wilson are excellent ball carriers regardless of who is blocking for them, but opposing defenses are going to struggle often to even get to the ball. Look for the Spartans to share the wealth and keep the opposition guessing as they have at least four legitimate weapons coming out of the backfield. Biggest Question The defense for the Spartans was phenomenal last year. They didn’t let another team score more than 10 points until the quarterfinals and only allowed 60 total points in the first 8 games, which is an impressive feat. The offense was also ultra efficient averaging over 30 points a game. Then, somehow, both sides of the ball fell flat in a 40 point rout courtesy of state runner up Southeast Polk. Do the Spartans now have what they need under their belts to take the next step? It seems they can answer that question early on and then build as they surely have their sights set on a trip back to the semis and beyond. Top Matchup There are several high profile games on the slate for the Spartans this year, but one has to think that the one that will require the most guts and fortitude to pull out a win will be their week 6 matchup with rival Bettendorf. Pleasant Valley handed Bettendorf two losses last year; the Bulldogs have a lot of players coming back, too, and you better believe they will have this one circled on the calendar. This one should be an old-fashioned grudge match and a whole lot of fun to watch. Keys to Success Don’t deviate. The Spartans have their recipe for success and, now, have the experience needed to make that recipe work against the best competition they can run into in the playoffs. A devastating defense and a rushing game that can drain an opposing team are big time assets late in the year and Pleasant Valley has both.