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Getting to Know the 2015 Valley Tigers

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Last year, Dominique Dafney (24) was Rocky Lombardi’s go-to receiver. Who will become Valley’s top receiver in 2015? (Andrea Melendez/Des Moines Register)

By Romelle Slaughter

Last season, there were many questions about the Valley Tigers.  As the season went on, Coach Gary Swenson started receiving the answers to his questions. It’s safe to say that after the Tigers 10-2 campaign in 2014, Swenson has no questions to ponder about.

Behind an offensive line anchored by Division I prospect OL John Rairdon, OL Sam Rodgers and TE John Gliniecki, junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi is more than ready to lead the Tigers into the 2015 season. Lombardi emerged as one of the top signal callers in 4A as a sophomore. Lombardi completed nearly 58% of his passes (122-211, 2097 yds, 21 TD’s 7 INT’s).

Jevon Mason will be the featured running back for the Tigers, replacing Drew Gray. The sophomore Mason rushed 404 yards and 4 touchdowns as a freshman last season. TE John Gliniecki is the Tigers’ returning receiver and the most seasoned. He pulled down 10 catches for 271 yards in 2014. Gliniecki will be asked to step in to replace Dominique Dafney, Austin Hronich, and Blake Salsbury, who have graduated. 

Linebackers Nick Yencer and Ben Campos will lead a stingy defense with ball-hawking DBs Turner Scott and Noah Barr who combined for 5 interceptions.

Valley Stats

2014 record: 10-2 overall, 5-0 conference

Head Coach: Gary Swenson, 21st season, 196-43 

Returning Offensive Starters

John Raridon OL

Rocky Lombardi QB

John Gliniecki TE

Sam Rogers OL

Returning Defensive Starters

Nick Yencer LB,  

Ben Campos LB,  

Turner Scott DB  

Zach Deeming DL

Noah Barr DB

Total Returning Letterwinners: 18

Offensive scheme: Pro style offense

Defensive scheme: Under front defense, version of a 5-2

Coaching staff: Dave Cochran, Ryan Cooley, Randy Ripperger, Travis Young

Facts and info: Valley’s two losses were to Waukee. The Tigers lost to Waukee in Week 1 and in the quarterfinal round of the 2014 playoffs. 

2015 Schedule

Aug. 28 Waukee (CISN)

Sept. 04 @ Iowa City West

Sept. 11 Southeast Polk (CISN)

Sept. 18 @ Dowling Catholic (Drake Stadium) (CISN)

Sept. 25 Des Moines, Hoover (CISN)

Oct. 2 Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (CISN)

Oct. 9 @ Sioux City, West

Oct. 16 Ankeny Centennial (CISN)

Oct. 23 @ Des Moines Lincoln

Getting to Know You: West Des Moines Valley Tigers

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Valley_Tigers_logo

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