J-Hawks excited for postseason return

CEDAR RAPIDS - The day has been reserved for checking in equipment recent years.

Instead of preparing for winter seasons and starting the off-season, Cedar Rapids Jefferson held practice on the turf at Kingston Stadium. The J-Hawks aren't done yet.

Jefferson achieved a major goal, continuing a rebound season for the program with its first playoff berth in six years. The J-Hawks face a tough task, traveling to second-ranked Bettendorf Wednesday night for a Class 4A first-round playoff game. Action is set for 7.

This week has been business as usual for a team that won more games this season than the previous five combined.

'This is new territory for these kids,” said Jefferson Coach Brian Webb, leading the J-Hawks to a 4-5 regular-season mark in his third season at the school. 'These seniors have never been a part of the playoffs. I think they have handled it well and just moved on with practice as normal as it has been.”

The J-Hawks have savored the chance to extend the season. They were enthusiastic while running plays up and down Kingston's field.

'Every moment you have playing is limited, so you have to win to keep playing,” Jefferson quarterback Jesse Furrow said. 'All of us got that a couple weeks ago. It's like your days are numbered. It goes by really fast.”

Furrow is the only J-Hawk with playoff experience. He played in the postseason for Pendleton Heights (Ind.) High School, where he threw for 2,147 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Furrow has provided some perspective, introducing Jefferson to a tradition of postseason haircuts he witnessed with his old team. Furrow said he expected more to join the 15 J-Hawks who already used the clippers.

'You have to love every minute you are out here,” Furrow said. 'The Mohawks are for the playoffs. None of these guys have experienced the playoffs before, so might as well do a little something.”

The accomplished senior signal caller helped raise the expectations for this team. Furrow said he wanted to make an immediate impact to the team, contributing 1,279 passing yards with 10 touchdowns. He added three scores and 71 yards rushing.

'I didn't want to be the person who took the spotlight or anything like that,” said Furrow, who has completed more than half of his passes and averages more than 17 yards a completion. 'I just wanted to help my team, my friends and all the guys I've been working out with. All the blood, sweat and tears are to help them get where we all want to be.”

The playoff berth was a major goal for the program trying to return to respectability. Webb said he has received a lot positive feedback from supporters this season, especially after an overtime win against Cedar Rapids Kennedy that snapped a six-year drought against Metro opponents.

Players are beginning to understand that this is the next stage of rebuilding the program. This season is a catalyst for Jefferson's football resurrection.

'The kids at the lower levels are excited,” Webb said. 'They're seeing what we're doing and want to be a part of it. We're hoping more kids want to come out and be a part of it because it's one more step in the process.”

The J-Hawks are happy to be in this position, but they are not satisfied with just being part of the final 32 teams. Jefferson is looking for its first playoff win since 1992, which ended with a state semifinal loss to Bettendorf.

Strides were made this year, but Jefferson isn't hanging its hat on the regular-season achievements.

'The past is the past,” Webb said. 'We're just focused on Bettendorf. We're going down there and we put together a game plan to try to beat these guys and not just compete with them. We're excited for the opportunity.”

The Bulldogs (9-0) have dominated opponents, winning all but one game by at least two touchdowns. Bettendorf has rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a team, ranking second in 4A with 37 rushing touchdowns.

Justice O'Conner has rushed for a team-high 856 yards and 14 TDs. Cyle Cox and Xavier LaDouceur added 493 and 403 yards on the ground. Cox has thrown for almost 1,000 yards.

'It's not going to come down to schemes,” Webb said. 'When you play Bettendorf, it's going to come down to who is tougher, who can block and tackle.

'They're big. They always are. They have linebackers who can run. They have a running back that is very good. They have a great quarterback. They have a big offensive line. You know what you're going to get every year.”

The J-Hawks have adapted to the quick turnaround, suiting up in full pads over the weekend after the Week 9 loss to district champion Linn-Mar. They have to tough out the condensed schedule all playoff teams have to endure.

'It's coming if you're ready or not and whether your body is ready for it,” Webb said. 'You've just got to turn on that switch to fight and persevere through any little injuries because this is a one and done now. There is no more season if we lose this game.”

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