C.R. Jefferson upgrades facilities, on-field play

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Jefferson Coach Brian Webb knew he faced a rebuilding project.At times, the task seemed a little tougher than expected, but things are starting to take shape at the start of his second season leading the J-Hawks.All one needs to do is look at the necessities, including a well-maintained practice field with fresh yard-line markings and new paint covering its old rusty goalposts, the two-story equipment shed at one end, holding the digital clock that times sessions for practice, the new water line and drinking troughs that saves players from running to the high school for breaks and the increased fervor exhibited by players and assistant coaches.The marked improvements off the field carries promise for better results on the field in 2013. The J-Hawks were 1-8 last season, snapping a 24-game losing streak last season, and open the season, hosting Cedar Rapids Prairie Thursday, Aug. 29 at Kingston Stadium."It's about pride in everything you do," Webb said. "It's about facilities, equipment, how you practice, how you wear your uniform. It's everything that encompasses what we're trying to get accomplished here."The best news is the players, which have gone from 29 at the end of 2012 to mid-40's this year, are embracing the philosophy. The J-Hawks flocked to offseason training sessions and workouts in large numbers. Webb said the result is a team with more speed and strength across the board.During those workouts, the players were motivated by one another, attempting to outperform teammates and make a "leaderboard" of the strongest players."We're always looking to be stronger than the person beside us," senior captain Josh Allen said. "Everyone was trying to get on that board. There were some huge numbers on there. Everyone was trying to set a record from speed to strength or whatever."It was also a sign that one of Webb's mantras was sinking in with his players. He has preached accountability to his players. The idea is do everything properly on and off the field to be the best players, students and people possible.Do the little things right and the big picture will come into focus."We're definitely buying into his program," senior running back Michael Moncivais said. "It's accountability with the team and 100-percent effort. We know what it takes now. Webb has helped us reach what we want to accomplish."The preparation for this season has produced confidence the J-Hawks will be able to execute in the fourth quarter this time, unlike last year when Webb had to revisit basic football concepts and skills with his players midway through the year. Jefferson shows potential to be more knowledgeable with increased depth and speed."We're going to be much better this year," Webb said. "We're going to be highly competitive in every game that we play."The J-Hawks bar has been set higher. The days of wanting a single win are over. Jefferson beat Dubuque Hempstead in 2012, halting the end to the losing stretch and ripping the monkey from the program's back."It helped us have more faith (and) got the pressure off, knowing we can win," Moncivais said. "We know we can win more than one now. It's obtainable. We're striving more and more in each practice."Webb said the strength of this team is toughness. It has been a cornerstone of the school's sports programs, long associated with blue-collar mentality and work ethic. Webb said that is essential and might be why this group has persevered rough times."We have kids that are incredibly tough," Webb said. "We have a core group that refuses to quit. The game of football to me is toughness and that's one criteria you have to have."Jefferson has a number of experienced players, including starting quarterback Layne Sullivan and Moncivais, who was the team's leading rusher. Sullivan did almost everything for the J-Hawks, rushing for five touchdowns and leading the team in tackles.The defense will also have two more of its top tacklers from last year back in linebacker Will Orr and Brandon Wiederin, who is also one of the top receivers coming back. Webb said the line on both sides of the ball will be stronger and praised the talents of defensive lineman Michael Smith, noting that the 315-pounder is starting to receive interest from NCAA Division I programs after a dominant camp in Iowa City over the summer."I'm excited," Webb said. "We're going to have a good year."Just how good remains to be seen, but expectations are already starting to grow from within the program. Even if the success isn't measured in wins this season, the hope is the foundation is set for future J-Hawks."We want to go out on a good note," Allen said. "We want to build a foundation for the younger guys and bring a good  program back to Jefferson."

2013 CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSON J-HAWKS

Coach: Brian Webb (2nd year, 19-12 career)

Last year: 1-8

Key returners: QB Layne Sullivan, RB Michael Moncivais, OL/LB Will Orr, OL/DL Michael Smith, OL/DL Dalton Kuehl, WR/DB Brandon Wiederin, RB/DB Nick O'Connell, K Nick Rocha

Key losses: RB Hunter Kloubec, LB Drake Allen, DL Peter Watson

Key to making playoffs: Jefferson has lofty goals and have their sights set on a postseason berth. The J-Hawks might need a little help to post enough wins for that to happen. They will need to carry over the attitude exhibited in offseason workouts and execute for an entire game to reap the rewards of what Coach Brian Webb calls a much better and competitive team.

Game to watch: The opening game Thursday, Aug. 29 against rival Cedar Rapids Prairie at Kingston Stadium could be the biggest game of the season. A win or a competitive showing can set the tone for a strong turnaround season.

2013 Schedule

Aug. 29: Cedar Rapids Prairie

Sept. 6: at Cedar Rapids Xavier

Sept. 13: Dubuque Hempstead

Sept. 20: at Iowa City High

Sept. 27: at Waterloo East

Oct. 4: Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Oct. 11: at Cedar Rapids Washington

Oct. 18: Iowa City West

Oct. 25: at Dubuque Senior

2013 Cedar Rapids Jefferson roster