Iowa Team Preview | Top Contender: Van Meter

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? Next on the docket is the Van Meter Bulldogs who are coming off of a very successful 2020 campaign and are bringing back some key players that should make them early favorites in 1A. Recap The Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker of a close one to OABCIG in last year’s 1A title game to very narrowly miss out on a perfect season. There was plenty of young talent on last year’s squad taking meaningful snaps and excelling in pivotal roles. Throughout the regular season Van meter, time and again, proved they should not be taken lightly with big victories over Winterset, Carroll, and South Central Calhoun. The Bulldogs executed each week by finding ways to win against tough competition and dominating the teams they should expect to dominate. With one of the top dual-threat Quarterbacks, a dynamic monster in the backfield, and plenty of other talented players evenly dispersed throughout the roster the Van Meter Bulldogs will look to settle some unfinished business this fall. Outlook The reshaped landscape and districts will present some new and familiar challenges to the Bulldogs over the course of the regular season in the form of matchups with Winterset, Williamsburg, ACGC, and Interstate 35. Their balanced offensive attack puts opposing teams in a bind; the way Van Meter moves the chains, consumes possessions and the clock, and scores points creates difficult scenarios for whoever is on the other sideline. Expect this trend to continue as the Bulldogs are bringing back the majority of their skill players on offense. It is completely reasonable to think that their output and production will only go up for that reason. On the other side of the ball Van Meter has stud athletes at each level of the defense. For the most part they were able to stifle the efforts of other teams. With a year of experience under their belts and an offseason to build this unit should be a major source of frustration for offensive coordinators in 1A District 7 and beyond as the Bulldogs seem to be all but a lock to make the postseason. District 7 is arguably going to be the most competitive group this year in 1A and the regular season should be a strong indication of what they will be capable of as they hunt for a state championship. Top Returning Players Van Meter is returning a number of players who were essential to last year’s success: Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="148359" first="Jack" last="Pettit"], Running Back [player_tooltip player_id="23999" first="Dalten" last="Van Pelt"], Wide Receivers [player_tooltip player_id="148747" first="Chris" last="Schreck"] and Gannon Archer, Offensive Lineman Lincoln Olsen, Defensive End [player_tooltip player_id="148775" first="Casey" last="Trudo"], Linebackers [player_tooltip player_id="105166" first="Ben" last="Gilliland"] and Korbin Barck, and Defensive Backs Carter Durflinger and Michael Banks. The Bulldogs will have seasoned, experienced veterans at each level of their offense and defense. Strengths The Bulldogs have many strengths: they fly to the ball and are top notch tacklers, dominate the line of scrimmage and pressure the Quarterback, and air it out as efficiently as anyone. The greatest asset of this team, though, at least from the preseason perspective has to be the way they can pound the rock. Pettit is so elusive and Van Pelt is so physical. They are both extremely capable and talented. Their different characteristics and running styles compliment one another terrifically, allow for versatility of play calling, and keep a defense on their toes. They run behind terrific blocking and the way the Bulldogs can methodically wear down a defense really opens things up through the air. Biggest Question There is no doubt that this team is as collectively talented as any other squad in 1A and they will for sure be battle tested heading into the playoffs, but do the Bulldogs have the firepower to hang in a shootout or mount a comeback? On a similar note, can the Van Meter defense settle in and adjust if someone is able to put them on their heels? The collective experience playing in big games on a big stage suggests that the Bulldogs will be able to answer these questions decisively. Top Matchup The newly aligned districts have been the sources of some new and very exciting contests. That is absolutely the case for Van Meter as they get to play Interstate 35 and ACGC who should both test and compete with the Bulldogs. The top matchup, though, has to be the week 3 battle with Winterset who has a loaded roster. These two teams could certainly meet again in the postseason. Both teams feature two of the best running backs in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="23999" first="Dalten" last="Van Pelt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="24007" first="Dawson" last="Forgy"], stud Quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id="148359" first="Jack" last="Pettit"] and Caden Kleemeier, punishing offensive lines, and playmakers all over their defenses. It is early in the season, but promises to be telling in regards to how both teams stack up and fit into the bigger picture. Keys to Success Continue to grind it out with one of the top rushing attacks in the state. Controlling the clock each game is certainly within reach for this Van Meter team. The different ways they can attack on the ground and the way their front seven on defense can shut it down to get off the field quickly is a lethal combination. These Bulldogs’ are methodical in their approach. It is an age old recipe for success and they have the athletes to make it happen.