Getting to Know You: West Des Moines Valley Tigers
Things don’t usually change at West Des Moines Valley, but don’t tell that to long time coach Gary Swenson. There are plenty of changes to expect, along with a few returning starters for the Tigers’ 2014 campaign. Running back Drew Gray, Wide Receiver Dominic Daffney, and highly touted junior OL John Rairdon headline a group of returning starters on offense. Gray will be asked to carry the workload after all-stater Tyus Mason’s graduation. Mason racked up 2,099 yards for the Tigers.
Sophomore Rocky Lombardi and junior Will Lounsberry will compete for the quarterback spot (Lombardi was named the starter vs. Waukee).
LB/P Zach Downs and CB Zach Grasso return to the defense from 2013, along with S Gabe Honnold patrolling the defensive backfield, that will
Valley Stats
2013 Record: 10-3 overall, 5-0 division
2014 Class, District: Class 4A, District 3
Coach: Gary Swenson, 39th year (20 at Valley), 311-100 overall (186-41 at Valley)
Returning Starters – Offense
Drew Gray, RB, 12, 5-10, 180
Trevor Bell, RB, 12, 5-7, 153
Dominique Dafney, WR, 12, 6-1, 200
Brady Smith, C, 12, 5-11, 220
Returning Starters – Defense
Zach Downs, LB/P, 12, 6-0, 215
Zach Grasso, CB, 12, 5-10, 170
Gabe Honnold, S, 12, 5-10, 165
Returning Letterwinners – 9
Coaching Staff: Randy Ripperger, Travis Young, Ryan Cooley, Dave Cochran
Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Swenson’s concern is solidifying the defensive and offensive line. Depth is a big issue, but Swenson feel confident that the junior class will help fill in some of the gaps. Sophomore quarterback Rocky Lombardi’s father is Tony Lombardi, who coached at Cedar Rapids Washington from 2006 to 2013. Lombardi guided the Warriors to four post-season berths, including two quarterfinal appearances and one semi-final appearance.
2014 Schedule (district games in bold)
Aug. 29 @ Waukee
Sept. 5 Iowa City West
Sept. 12 @ Southeast Polk
Sept. 19 Dowling Catholic
Sept. 26 @ Des Moines Hoover
Oct. 3 @ Council Bluffs Lincoln
Oct. 10 Sioux City West
Oct. 17 @ Ankeny Centennial
Oct. 24 Des Moines Lincoln
