Sportsbeat Preview: Juniata Valley Green Hornets

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Juniata Valley has been the definition of consistency over the past decade in high school football. The last time the Green Hornets had a losing season was back in 2014, which was head coach Bill Musser’s first year at the helm.

This year, the program looks to continue its winning ways coming off of a 7-4 season.

Juniata Valley is returning seven starters on each side of the ball, which includes most statistical leaders such as quarterback Jett Rand, running back Adrian Prough and wide receiver Lucas Dick. On defense, the Green Hornets are returning their top three tacklers.

“We have a strong group of guys,” senior wide receiver and outside linebacker Logan Brantner said.

During Inter-County Conference Media Day on Wednesday, “improve” was the one word that was reiterated by Musser and his players as their goal for this season.

“Just improvement is key,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Lucas Dick said. “It’s all we need to a successful season because we haven’t been too bad, so we might as well just keep it going.”

One of the reasons for the program’s sustained success can be attributed to its search for improvement while also embodying the community’s blue-collar work ethic.

“The fabric of our community is to work hard, (We’re not going to) let others dictate how we’re going to act and behave and to take care of our business,” Musser said. “I think our kids do that on a daily basis. I’m very happy with the maturity level our kids show at times on the field.”

Juniata Valley has won 10 games in three of the past six seasons. The Green Hornets open their season at home against Newport on Aug. 23.

Key Returners: Jett Rand (QB), Lucas Dick (WR), Adrian Prough (RB), Andrew Clark (RB), Zach Dick (OT), Logan Brantner (OLB)

Key Losses: Luke Uplinger (RB)

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