Regina takes aim at history, but must find new QB first

IOWA CITY - It's only August, but Marv Cook has probably been asked hundreds of times if Iowa City Regina will win another state championship this fall.

The question that follows is just as interesting, and foreshadows the first: who takes over for all-state quarterback Drew Cook? There's not a clear answer yet.

Seniors Nathan Stenger and Thomas Rapp and sophomore Michael Conlon are being considered to replace the coach's son, now a first-year player for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

'They're different than what we've had in the past, so we're excited about trying to find ways to let people see the great football players they are,” said Cook, who said he's considering using multiple players under center. 'Whatever it takes, honestly. We're still searching to see exactly how it's all going to fit together.”

Stenger, an all-state wide receiver last year who registered 801 yards and 11 touchdowns, may be the favorite. Stenger completed 4 of 6 passes last year - including three touchdowns. Cook said Stenger's willingness to make the move to quarterback says a lot about him.

Cook also lauded Rapp's offseason and added that Conlon is right in the mix.

'Everything is up in the air right now,” Stenger said. 'Hopefully (this week) we'll settle where everyone is going to play. I just want to get on the field and help any way I can.”

Whoever wins the job will have plenty of options - including the possibility of throwing to Stenger. Receiver Nick Phillips scored 14 total touchdowns last fall and Ethan Suchomel should be one of Regina's featured running backs this season.

Jared Brinkman, Jack Donovan and Aaron Demory all return on the line. Brinkman was the district's top lineman last season as a sophomore.

The Regals also return linebacker Justin Hunter, who led the team in tackles the last two seasons. Brinkman led the Regals with four sacks.

For Cook, who owns a remarkable 100-5 record at Regina, the motivation to continue working hard to lead a program that has accomplished so much stretches beyond football.

'I'm trying to mentor these guys to be great students and citizens of our community, and then football players as well,” Cook said. 'That's what motivates me. Every year is a new year. Every group of seniors is a new opportunity and a new group of guys who we can go out and try to do great things together.”

The Regals, especially seniors like Stenger, find their own fuel from the outside noise that this could be the year the Regals might not have enough to win it all. After five consecutive championships, it's hard not to feel the target.

'We don't want to be the team that let's that down,” Stenger said. 'We're all motivated to try to accomplish that again. The coaches do a good job of keeping us motivated and not letting us get complacent.”

Regina's schedule includes non-district games with Solon, which ended the team's 56-game winning streak last season, and Cedar Rapids Xavier. The Regals are poised for the challenge.

'I'm not going to lie to you, I like this group of guys,” Cook said. 'This group has committed to everything that they possibly could have the last three to four years in this program. They deserve to have a lot of success, and whether that includes hoisting a championship trophy at the end of the year, I don't know. We'll find out.”

IOWA CITY REGINA, at a glance

Coach: Marv Cook (9th year, 101-6)

Last year: 13-1, 1A state champion (beat Alburnett, Panorama, Central Decatur, South Winneshiek, then West Lyon, 38-21, in title game)

Returning letterwinners: WR/QB Nathan Stenger, WR Nick Phillips, OL/DL Jared Brinkman, LB/RB Justin Hunter, OL/DL Jack Donovan, QB Thoms Rapp, RB/DB Ethan Suchomel, WR/DB Jack Edeker, OL/LB Aaron Demory, OL/DL Cam Lynch, P Riley Sullivan, DE Joe Keating, OL/DL Rick Lipsius, LB Abe Schropp

Key losses: QB Drew Cook, RB/LB Jake Brinkman, OL/DL Phil Arendt, LB Michael Adam, K Jacob Adam

Key to making the playoffs: The reloading Regals go for their unprecedented sixth straight state title. The only real question is who takes over for Drew Cook at quarterback.

Game to watch: The season-opener on Aug. 28 against Solon, which snapped Regina's state-record 56-game winning streak, could be another instant classic.

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 - Solon

Sept. 4 - at Cascade

Sept. 11 - *at Sigourney-Keota

Sept. 18 - *Eddyville EBF

Sept. 25 – *at Highland

Oct. 2 - *at Columbus Community

Oct. 9 – *West Marshall

Oct. 16 - Cedar Rapids Xavier

Oct. 23 - *at Pella Christian