Those same words could be used for a 34-10 loss to the Tigers the previous year. It's easy to see the Tigers have had their way recently in the series.
The fifth-ranked Little Cyclones (6-0) already have avenged three of their four losses from 2004 and are looking to finish the job Friday when the No. 1 Tigers (6-0) come to Ames High Stadium.
"Last year we got humiliated down at Valley's stadium," Ames senior linebacker Dan Kinker said. "Now it's time for some payback at our place."
The Little Cyclones have used motivation from last year to beat Ankeny, Sioux City Heelan and Urbandale. Valley - winners of 27-straight regular-season games and Class 4A state titles in 2002 and 2003 - presents a far bigger challenge, but one the Little Cyclones feel they're ready for.
"We really want to get (Valley) back," senior quarterback Austen Arnaud said. "(The '04 game) definitely is in the back of our minds. It's another payback game for us and another chance at redemption."
The Tigers have used fast starts the last two meetings to put the Little Cyclones away early. Valley led, 31-3, at halftime in 2003 and completely dominated the first half last year, building a 40-0 halftime edge.
"Valley's a team that when they get on top of you, it's like a snowball effect; they keep going," Arnaud said.
Valley's first half in last year is better than a full game for most teams. It had more than 300 yards of offense and tailback Jerrod Gaskill lit Ames up for 104 yards and five touchdowns.
If the Little Cyclones want to make a game of it Friday, the first quarter will be key.
"It's no mystery we got embarrassed at Valley last year," Ames coach Bruce Vertanen said. "The start is important. Valley has started well against every team they've played this year, and that's a credit to their coaching staff.
"They've jumped on everyone before things get going. We're very well aware of that and we know we can't let that happen."
Although the last two games between the schools doesn't show it, the Little Cyclones have enjoyed more success against Valley over the last 10 years than arguably any other school in the state.
The Little Cyclones are 5-6 against the Tigers since 1994.
"We're ready," Ames senior linebacker Rob Manatt said. "We're pumped and ready to stand up to this challenge. We definitely feel like we got humiliated last year, and we need to step up and show (Valley) what Ames High football is all about."
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