Pass routes to pass protection for Regina's Sehl

IOWA CITY - Mike Sehl switched from running pass routes to providing pass protection.

The Iowa City Regina senior didn't hesitate when coaches approached him about the position change before the season.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end was concerned more about team success than his personal accomplishments, so he moved to left tackle to strengthen the Regals offense, helping the top-ranked Regals to 52 straight wins and in contention for a fourth consecutive state title. Regina (10-0) puts it on the line, hosting an Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A second-round playoff game Monday night against Clayton Ridge (9-1).

Sehl grew an inch and gained 30 pounds in the offseason, increasing his strength with work in the weight room. He didn't question the suggestion.

"We were kind of short at offensive line," Sehl said. "The coaches got together and talked it over. They gave me the option. I said I would try it and it wasn't bad."

The results have been good for the Regals, who have amassed 3.959 total yards of offense, including 2,148 yards and 33 touchdowns rushing. Sehl has made an impact in his new role.

"He's been phenomenal for us at tackle," Regina Coach Marv Cook said. "I'm grateful for him. I think he knows he made us better. We went from a good team to a great team when he moved inside.

"It's a big sacrifice. I love the tight end position and he was very good at it."

Sehl was the second-leading receiver returning from last season, trailing only running back Riley Dixon in receptions (8) and yards (70). He said the preparation and approach is a lot different, protecting junior quarterback Drew Cook's blind side. He said he recognize the importance of a solid offensive line and wanted to do whatever the coaches told him to help the team. That doesn't mean that he wouldn't like the chance to reel in a pass.

A tackle eligible, perhaps, for the guy still listed as a tight end and old number on the current roster?

"I do miss it a little bit," said Sehl, whose older brother, George, lead Regina's 2011 2A state title team in receiving. "There are plusses and minuses being a tackle, too."

Sehl settled in seamlessly, picking up the new spot immediately, according to Marv Cook. The Regals coaching staff was instantly impressed seeing his work on inside runs and pass sets.

"This guy immediately makes the guys around him better," Marv Cook said. "He solidified our offensive line. It's pretty impressive, going from tight end to left tackle. He's enabled us to move some other guys around to other positions so it's worked out well."

His tight end skills were displayed in the Regals' 49-0 Week 8 win over Wapello. Sehl, who also plays defensive end, read screen pass, dropped out of his rush and nabbed the pass out of the air, running 24 yards for his first varsity touchdown on Senior Night.

"He's smooth," Marv Cook said. "For that size, he's really agile. He's good on his feet with good hands. He's a fluid big guy."Marv Cook praised Sehl's attitude as much as his physical abilities. He resembles a gentle giant with his large frame and quiet demeanor. Sehl has been a leader by example for the Regals.

"He's a great young man," Marv Cook said. "He's an unselfish, great teammate. He's a great leader by example. He's not a vocal guy. He does it by the way he goes about his business."

He might have paved the way for some others on the team. Senior Elliot Halsch changed his role as a back-up running back to part of the offensive line group.

"He's probably a back by nature, but we wanted to develop some depth in there and (offensive line) coach (Alex) Kanellis worked him in there one day and it worked out," Marv Cook said. "He's had some success. Depth at that position is always a good thing."

The evidence is in Sehl's own words. He said he would be willing to take a spot on the sidelines if it meant someone else improved the team.

"I would do anything," Sehl said. "It's a team sport, so I would do what I'd have to do to help the team."

The Regals will look to win its 53rd straight game, pulling within two wins of Waterloo East's state record of 55 straight wins and three of the Trojans' 56-game unbeaten mark. Regina is tied with Ithaca (Mich.) for the nation's longest current win streak in 11-player football. A tough test awaits in Clayton Ridge, a district runner-up that spreads the field effectively.

The Eagles advanced with a 27-6 win over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and are led by 1A's top passer, Kohle Helle, who has thrown for 2,128 yards and 22 TDs.

Sehl said the team has been building up to these moments in the postseason.

"I think we're getting better," Sehl said. "We're taking huge steps and continuing to improve."