Linn-Mar Jeffery feels good about title chances

This is the best Linn-Mar's Alijah Jeffery has ever felt.The timing is perfect since he will attempt to cap his prep career with his best finish.The Lions' top-ranked 120-pounder enters the Iowa High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament as one of only seven unbeaten wrestlers in Class 3A. Jeffery (37-0) faces Glenwood's A.J. Slaughter (28-21) in the opening round Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.Jeffery already has a fist full of medals, but none of them have the tint he prefers.“I have my mind set on first,” Jeffery said. “I'm not looking anywhere else.”Jeffery has been a standout ever since he stepped into the Lions wrestling room. He placed third at state his first two years, losing only to former West two-time state champion and current Iowa Hawkeye Phillip Laux, and Bettendorf state champion Fredy Stroker.He has an idea what it will take to be wrestling Saturday night, instead of watching.“I know I have to leave it all on the line,” Jeffery said. “I can't wrestle conservative like I have in the past.”The last hurrah is on the horizon. The time has arrived and “next year” does not exist. Jeffery is determined to capitalize on his final opportunity. Linn-Mar Coach Doug Streicher said elite wrestlers get only get four chances, which is more than the average competitor.“He's been down there three years,” Streicher said. “He's made his mark as one of the best guys in the senior class. Hopefully, we can get him on top of the (awards) stand.”Jeffery has struggled through weight issues and injury, which he underwent surgery after last season. It chased the sting of last year's state meet. He reached the semifinals, losing two straight matches before getting a pin for fifth.“I was disappointed,” Jeffery said. “I went out and had a good offseason and trained hard. It was the best I've had. I tried to make myself better than ever.”Of course, you wouldn't have seen any public emotions from Jeffery. He is constant with his expression. Streicher admits he can't read Jeffery's feelings after four years of coaching. He exhibits the same reaction no matter the result, even though the fire of a competitor burns inside his lanky frame.“You see guys super hyper that are good and guys calm and collected that are good,” Streicher said. “As long as you go out and perform, it doesn't matter. It works for him.”He proved just how impressive he is, winning the 120-pound title at the USAW Preseason national tournament in November. He conquered a bracket of about 60 wrestlers, including a couple who were nationally ranked. It might have foreshadowed another championship.“I finally realized I am right there with all those top guys in the nation,” said Jeffery, who has committed to wrestle at Northern Illinois. “I should be able to walk through the state tournament.”Streicher said Jeffery has always been at that level. The key is to be consistent over the course of each match, scoring on the edge and not surrendering points at the end of periods.“That's what wins you a state title,” Streicher said. “It's the little things.”Jeffery has focused on being at his best for this three day stretch. It has included those little things to increase his chances to earn that perfect ending to a perfect season.“All the matches, working my way up to state, I've been tweaking some things I've been struggling with,” Jeffery said. “I've just been getting ready (and) everything is clicking now.”