Regina fully loaded for another title run

IOWA CITY — Imagine the luxury of a finely-tuned machine with all the bells and whistles.

Iowa City Regina Coach Marv Cook knows what it feels like, nestling behind the wheel of the latest Regals ride with all the necessary power, speed, slick handling and comfort at his fingertips.

Regina is driven for an opportunity to claim a fifth straight state title, returning many talented starters from last year's Class 1A championship team with the potential for one of its best teams during the state record 56-game win streak. The Regals open the season at rival Solon on Aug. 29, looking for sole possession of the state's all-time longest unbeaten mark.

Regina has reloaded in recent years, winning 2A crowns in 2010 and 2011 and the last two titles in 1A. The Regals might have more experience coming back than any of those championship teams, which is bad news for 1A foes.

'We've had some pretty good teams, but I think this one is different,' Regina quarterback Drew Cook said. 'We have a lot of guys coming back that were huge players for us last year. That's been the difference early. I think we're so much more advanced than we have been so that has been huge.'

The vision for this season started to come in focus shortly after Regina dominated Fort Dodge St. Edmond to close last year. Players realized the potential and started to work toward being the best.

'We knew we could be good and the only people who could beat us are ourselves,' Regina linebacker and running back Jake Brinkman said. 'We had to make sure this summer we were in the weight room, running and preparing for the season.'

Marv Cook is not surprised of the firepower this team presents, despite losing four all-staters and a couple more key starters.

'I've coached a lot of these kids since first-grade flag football,' Marv Cook said. 'It's a great group of guys with great friendships and great leadership so far. I've liked what I've seen the first 10 days.'

What's not to like with the Regals? They are stacked on both sides of the ball and have three players who have more than 20 varsity starts and a 14-game veteran at quarterback. Depth will have to emerge.

'We have a good nucleus,' Marv Cook said. 'You have to find those guys who are going to fill in. We feel we have a good group to sprinkle in there.'

Drew Cook, who committed to play for the University of Iowa, threw for 2,563 yards, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes, and 22 touchdowns. He also rushed for 440 yards and five scores. Two of his top targets remain in junior Nick Phillips and senior Conner Brown. Phillips was second last year with 628 receiving yards and seven TDs, but led the team with 54 catches. Brown had 274 yards on 12 catches, averaging 22.8 yards per reception.

Brinkman had 688 total offensive yards and 14 touchdowns, including 13 rushing. Michael Adam was also an effective runner and receiver for the Regals last year.

The Regals share an unselfish attitude. Everyone would accept being featured in the offense, but realize there are a lot of capable hands waving for the ball.

'The team comes first for all of us,' Drew Cook said. 'We play our best when we share the ball. When we're spreading it around, running and passing it equally for a balanced attack, that's when we are at our best.'

They support one another, which has been essential during the four unbeaten seasons. The Regals have options when an opponent contains a player or part of the offense.

'It's beautiful,' Brinkman said of the various scoring threats. 'If I'm not running the ball, we have a great quarterback like Drew and receivers we are very confident in. It's awesome when you see guys make plays on our team, because it's your best friends. You want them to do well.'

The line is anchored by standout Phil Arndt and will have its share of new faces. Explosive athletes make everybody's job a bit easier, especially the guys in the trenches.

'It's helpful because sometimes you don't make every block but you have a guy who can bust it for 80 and doesn't go down on the first hit,' said Arndt, who has committed to play for the University of Northern Iowa. 'You have guys who catch it every time like Phillips and Drew puts it right on the money and can run. It's great.'

Brinkman, who will play for North Dakota State next year, will get the chance to shoulder more of the load in the backfield. All-state running back Riley Dixon graduated after compiling 1,400 yards in an injury-shortened season a year ago. Brinkman is expected to get the majority of the carries, sharing time with Adam.

'It's a big responsibility,' Brinkman said. 'I like to take it.'

Regina's defense will be just as impressive. The Regals return a solid corps of linebackers, consisting of Brinkman, Adam and last year's leading tackler Justin Hunter. It might be hard to determine a better side of the ball.

'I'd like to think defense,' Brinkman said. 'When you have Drew Cook, Phil Arndt on the line and all our weapons, I think offense. Our defense is going to be good, too.'

Marv Cook has seen a faster transition during the opening days of practice. Players are more acclimated and coaches have been able to install schemes quicker. The Regals are still trying to figure out if they are more suited to finesse or fight their opponents.

'That is to be determined,' Marv Cook said. 'We have young linemen getting experience. We're going to have to see what we have up front. With our skill guys, we'll find out. Ideally, it's a combination of both.'

The Regals garnered added attention as they approached the state's best all-time unbeaten streak of Waterloo East (1965-71). They have budged their way to the front of the line and don't have to concern themselves with the record. They have plenty of motivation, chasing down a fifth consecutive title and playing tough non-district games against Solon and Cascade, highly-touted in 3A and 2A, respectively, and Cedar Rapids Xavier, a 3A team that was a 4A state finalist in 2013.

'It's really exciting,' Arndt said. 'I'm looking forward to playing a really tough schedule this year. You get to really challenge yourself.'

 Coach: Marv Cook (8th season, 88-5)

 Last year: 14-0 (won Class 1A state title)

 Key returners: QB Drew Cook, RB/LB Jake Brinkman, RB/LB Michael Adam, WR Nick Phillips, LB Justin Hunter, OL/DL Phil Arndt, WR Conner Brown, K Jacob Adam

 Key losses: RB Riley Dixon, DE/OL Adam Demory, OL/DL Mike Sehl, DE Elliot Halsch, LB/OL Casey Beaver, WR Bryon Amelon, DB Jared Geraets, WR/DB Cale Lehman

 Key to making playoffs: Avoid injury and overconfidence and the playoffs will be a given. Likely, a trip to the UNI-Dome and another state title will follow.

 Game to watch: The Regals start with two quality opponents, traveling to Solon (Aug. 29) and hosting Cascade (Sept. 5). The most attractive game is the Oct. 17 game at last year's 4A state finalist and 3A team Cedar Rapids Xavier.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@sourcemedia.net