Regina's small big man on defense

IOWA CITY - Casey Beaver might be small in stature, but he makes a big impact for Iowa City Regina.The Regals 5-foot, 6-inch and 170-pound senior linebacker personifies the words of offensive line and strength coach Alex Kanellis."You're as big as your heart is," Beaver said. "I play with the biggest heart on the field. I feel like that's what I have to think every time I play football.Despite being one of the shortest players in the programming, Beaver serves as a defensive leader for the Class 1A top-ranked Regals, who have started 4-0 this season and extended its win streak to 46 straight games.  Regina hosts Cardinal (1-3) for its annual Homecoming game Friday night, beginning at 7 p.m.A victory will move Regina into a three-way tie with West Des Moines Dowling (1966-71) and Anamosa (1937-45) for third on the state's list of longest unbeaten streak, moving them nine wins off the record of 56 straight games without a loss held by Waterloo East (1965-71).Regina defensive coordinator Jason Dumont said physical appearance can be misleading. Beaver may not be the tallest, fastest or strongest player, but he belongs on the field more than most."Every practice, every game he plays his way on the field," Dumont said. "He's a kid you have to find a spot for him. he's kind of stepped up this year and accepted that role."The role as the Regals' defensive signal caller from the "Mike" linebacker position has come natural. Beaver has proven he owns a nose for the ball, tallying 25 total tackles, including one sack, this season. He is tied for third for the Regals. Regina head coach Marv Cook said Beaver will do whatever or play wherever needed, player on the defensive line last season.He is listed as a linebacker, offensive lineman and running back on the preseason roster, but he feels at home in the middle of the defense."I love playing linebacker," said Beaver, who qualified for the state wrestling tournament as a sophomore and has competed in ATV motocross during the summer since 2005. "You have the biggest role."It's a good role for me because I think I can handle it."His production has received a passing grade from his coaches, but he isn't satisfied. A strong work ethic keeps pushing him to continue learning and improving."He's done a great job with it," Dumont said. "There are things he does extremely well, but there are things he does extremely well, but there are things he needs to get better at and knows that. He's down there every day (practicing) to get better."Beaver has been dedicated to the Regina program for year. He recalled his time as a waterboy for the Regals 2005 1A state title team that included his older brother, Kile. Beaver admired those players, including Mike O'Connell and Daniel Murray, who went on to play at Iowa State University and University of Iowa, respectively, and was motivated to make his own impact."I always walked in my brother's footsteps," Beaver said. "They put a dream in my heart. They made me want to play football harder and with a passion."The season hasn't produced a highlight moment yet, according to Beaver. He doesn't mind, relishing each time he gets in on a tackle with his teammates. The aspiration is to end the season with that marquee moment."I have a goal in my life," Beaver said. "It's to win another title and tie the (unbeaten) record in the state."