I.C. Regina goes for history

IOWA CITY - Elliot Halsch was a freshman when he watched his older brother, Anthony, helped lead Iowa City Regina to a state football title.He cheered and celebrated, but chances are he did not imagine what was beginning for the Regals program.Halsch is part of a senior class entrusted to continue Regina's winning streak that includes three straight state championships and 42 games in a row, beginning in 2010. The Regals will attempt to win its second consecutive Class 1A crown after two straight 2A titles.Regina has a lot at stake, trying to extend the successful stretch. If the Regals produce another unbeaten season and reach 56 straight victories, they can break the consecutive wins streak set by Waterloo East."A lot of pressure for us to keep the tradition going, but I think we can do it," Halsch said. "We're practicing real hard. We're all striving to that goal to get back there."Regina Coach Marv Cook said he hopes his players accept the pressure and thrive on it. The focus has turned to the present and the past has been put in perspective. The Regals are ready for an opportunity to make their own mark."They don't have to (carry) the burden of what's gone on before," Cook said. "The only thing they need to worry about is what is ahead of them and what they can control. I think they have embraced the idea that they are a part of what's gone on and they have a chance to add to it."The quest for another state title didn't start when the calendar turned to August. Players filed into the weight room and started training before the trophy case contained the latest title. The dedication is year-round."It's unbelievable," Senior Riley Dixon said. "I don't think we take a whole week off from when the state championship ends."An important part of Regina's run has been the ability to replace talent on the field after graduation. The team prides itself on being able to reload instead of rebuild."That's out motto actually," Halsch said. "It's something we try to do every year and replace the players we've lost in the past and lining in new guys who can do the same thing."The quarterback position is indicative of the Regals stepping in and picking up where their predecessors left off. Mark Ward was third starting quarterback in the three title seasons, following all-staters Jack Verducci and Nate Streb.The reins of the Regina offense is now past to junior Drew Cook, the coach's son. He said he learned a lot from watching Ward."Hopefully, I can continue this great quarterback streak and keep it going," said Drew Cook, who threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns last season. "I will try to be a leader and try to lead this team to a state championship, too."The Regals return plenty of offensive weapons. Dixon was the leading rusher a year ago, running for 1,641 yards and 14 touchdowns. Halsch added 125 yards and four scores. Dixon is also the top receiver coming back with 126 yards and a touchdown.The defense should be a strength, according to Marv Cook. Junior Jake Brinkman had 88 tackles a year ago, including two sacks and three total for loss. Halsch was fourth on the team in tackles with a whopping 10 sacks."We have a really good group of guys coming back to give us that leadership," Marv Cook said. "Hopefully, help is bridge that gap of youth, especially early in the season."The tradition is important to the Regals. They know the impact it has on the Regina community, and welcome former champions, like Verducci, who visit the team after leaving for college. This year's team welcomes the chance to close out their high school career the same way it started - with a state title."It's a long ride," Dixon said. "It's been fun so this offseason will truly make a difference between us winning and losing. It's a blessing to be a part of it."

2013 IOWA CITY REGINA REGALS

Coach: Marv Cook (6th year, 61-4)

Last year: 14-0

Key returners: RB Riley Dixon, DE/TE Elliot Halsch, DL Jake Brinkman,

Key losses: QB Mark Ward, RB/LB Mike Donovan, K Nick Dolezal, OL/DL Dan Gaffey

Key to making playoffs: Iowa City Regina is a lock to make the playoffs yet again. The real question is whether or not they will be able to win a fourth straight state title and extend its 42-game win streak. They have the talent to do it. The key will be how well they reload talent from a year ago, which includes a handful of all-state selections.

Game to watch: A home contest against West Branch will be a big game on Sept. 13. The Bears gave the Regals a regular-season scare last season and were competitive in the postseason. It will be a good early test for Regina. The district title could be on the line when they travel to Wilton on Oct. 11.

2013 Schedule

Aug. 30: West Liberty

Sept. 6: at Solon

Sept. 13: West Branch

Sept. 20: at Eddyville-Blakesburg/Fremont

Sept. 27: Eldon Cardinal

Oct. 4: at Alburnett

Oct. 11: at Wilton

Oct. 18: Wapello

Oct. 25: at Sigourney-Keota

2013 Roster

2013 Iowa City Regina football roster