RPAC Rundown Featured Matchup Preview: Southwest @ Medicine Valley
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Medicine Valley Raiders will play host to the Southwest Roughriders. This game could be one of the top matchups in Class D6, as both of these squads are looking to make the playoffs and potentially make a run.
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We begin with the Southwest Roughriders; this team has a clear identity. They play hard-nosed, tough defense, and they do it well. They are allowing just 21.5 points per game. They have several guys who make plays, including sophomore Bo Truksa, who has 60 tackles so far this season. Deric Kelley is second on the team and has 56 tackles so far this season. Last week, they were able to get a nice victory against Paxton at home during homecoming, 56-13, after dropping two games in a row. The question mark that remains for this team though, is on offense. They run the ball well at 225.8 yards per game, but the passing game hasn't shown a lot of flashes this year. As they get into big games like this one against Medicine Valley, and potentially into the playoffs, they will have to find more options on offense. I'm stating things here that they already know they're in Bartley. The offense has to be better, and they know that.
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But that defense is so good. They play at such a high level; they make all kinds of plays all over the field, and that's going to be really interesting to watch in this one against Madison Valley. Can they slow down an offense that's been averaging almost 65 points per game? The Roughriders tackle at a high level, and they just don't make a lot of mistakes on defense. And they won't be able to afford many mistakes against Medicine Valley in this one.
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Now for Medicine Valley, they are 6-0 this season and playing at such a high level. There's a clear identity for them as well: make a lot of big plays and score a ton of points. They are averaging 63.6 points per game, and the majority of their yardage comes on the ground at 372 yards per game. But they have shown the ability to throw the football for 105.5 yards per contest. Mason Roblee, a senior, has been awesome with over 1,100 yards rushing and 29 offensive touchdowns this year. Lucas Einspahr, a senior, has been great out of the backfield also, with 537 yards rushing along with 10 touchdowns.
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The Raiders have so many solid players, including Spencer Snyder, Javan Houghtelling, Robby Phillips, Ethan Brown, Elliot Oakman, Alex Einspahr, and others. And this team hasn't been bad on defense by any means. They're only allowing 25.2 points per game. I expect this matchup to be super physical between the squads, and we will see who can come away with a victory in this one. Major playoff implications are in play for both of the teams.
Be sure to vote on who you think will win!
Who's winning this one?
Medicine Valley
Southwest
