Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

MEDICINE VALLEYRAIDERS
By: Joe Musso
Medicine Valley is looking to
build off a solid 2016 season,
where the Raiders went 8-2 and
notched their first playoff win
since 2013 before falling to Elm
Creek in the second round.
Head coach Scott Johnsen is
entering his 12th season at the
helm and hopes to keep the ball
rolling in the right direction.
“After a positive 2016 season,
we look to continue the process
of building a successful
program,” Johnsen said.
“Depth at several positions will
be a concern as we begin the
season.”
The Raiders return five starters
on the offensive side of the
ball and four on defense.
While experience may not be a
strength at Medicine Valley this
season, Johnsen expects senior
leadership to carry the Raiders.
“We have a good group of
returning seniors,” Johnsen
said. “But we will need several
underclassmen to make
improvements and fill the spots
vacated by graduation.”
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Raiders
Class: D1
2016 Record: 8-2
Playoff Appearances: 12
Head Coach: Scott Johnsen
Career Record: 112-115
Assistant Coaches: Jason Maier
and Derek Bantam
While it may come at a
premium, the senior talent at
Medicine Valley knows what it
takes to win.
Senior running back Landon
Lenz will carry the load for the
Raiders’ offense. Last season
the 5-foot-10 tailback amassed
an astounding 1,129 yards
on the ground on his way to
18 rushing touchdowns. The
junior broke the 100-yard mark
in seven of the Raiders ten
games last season. His 8.4 yards
per carry was among the best in
the state.
“Anytime you have a returning
1,000-yard rusher, you feel
fortunate,” Johnsen said. “He
has top-level speed and vision
which has helped him to be
successful.”
The Raiders will need an encore
performance out of Lenz, as
their offensive breakdown last
season was 80-20 run to pass.
Lenz will have the luxury of
running behind an offensive
line with some experience. The
anchor in the middle is threeyear
letterwinner Sheldon
Johnsen. Coach Johnsen
describes the stout center as a
second quarterback on the field.
“He will be a three-year
starter at the center position,”
coach Johnsen said. “With our
shotgun formation, he has
done an excellent job of making
great snaps as well as being our
best blocker the last couple of
seasons.”
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 @ Wallace
9/1 @ Sutherland
9/8 Dundy County-Stratton
9/15 Brady
9/22 @ Alma
9/29 @ Southwest
10/13 Cambridge
10/19 Bertrand
Following a solid 2016 season,
there’s no doubt that the
Medicine Valley program is
headed in the right direction, as
they’ve improved their record
in each of the last three seasons.
However, success in 2016 will
depend on a core group of
seniors hoping to put their
final stamp on four years of
progress.
Key Players:
Landon Lenz (5’7” 150 lbs) Sr.
RB/DB
Sheldon Johnsen (5’10” 220 lbs)
Sr. C/LB
Ryan Klintworth (6’1” 170) Sr.
QB
YOUR DAILY HUSKER COVERAGE ALL SEASON LONG
HIGHLIGHTS • INTERVIEWS • ANALYSIS
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