For the Regals, more work remains

CEDAR FALLS -- Friday was the coronation. But don't dare think of it as the end.There are still frontiers in front of the Iowa City Regina football program. Places to go where no team has gone before."Monday, I'll get in the weight room again," said two-way star Jake Brinkman. "I'll start getting prepared for next year."I want that fifth title, and I want to run that (winning streak) to 70."With Friday morning's 35-0 romp against Fort Dodge St. Edmond, the Regals matched Solon's string of four straight state championships (the Spartans reigned from 2007 to 2010). And they set a state record with their 56th consecutive victory.But this isn't merely an exclamation point at the end of sentence describing a dynasty. There's more work to do, say the underclassmen.Rest on their laurels? Forget it."I'm already thinking about next year," said quarterback Drew Cook, who completed each of his 13 passes for 177 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Amelon on a flea flicker.Cook is a junior. So is Brinkman, who rushed for 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns.So is Jacob Adam, who set an all-time Iowa best in points by a kicker. He converted all 72 of his PATs this season, plus 11 of 14 field goals (including a 46-yarder).The Regals do lose the majority of their offensive line, but welcome back Phil Arendt. They bring back three of four linebackers, including leading tackler Justin Hunter. He's a sophomore.The cycle continues. New leaders emerge."Being a senior next year, I have to help lead this team," Brinkman said. "I have to be more vocal."And that's why he intends to be pumping iron Monday.The Regals accepted another championship trophy Friday, waved to their fans and headed up the tunnel. There were some mild whoops as they approached their locker room, but nothing over the top.In short, they acted like they've been here before. And they intend to be here again.Don't mistake their approach for joylessness."You never take something like this for granted," Cook said. "A lot of people don't get this opportunity. Our coaches keep telling us to enjoy every moment."