Regina returns to state title game

IOWA CITY — Iowa City Regina Coach Marv Cook insists there is a distinct difference to each season.

The players and personalities may vary from year-to-year, but the results have been the same in recent years.

The top-ranked Regals have reached the Iowa High School Athletic Association state football final again, attempting to win a sixth straight title. Regina (12-1) will face Western Christian (11-2) for the Class 1A crown Monday at 11:06 a.m.

'It's definitely a privilege to be able to do that,' Regina quarterback Nathan Stenger said about Regina's sixth straight finals appearance. 'Every team has had to work extremely hard to get to this point, and that is what we have tried to do. We have one more (game).'

Western Christian is making its championship game debut, beating Van Meter 21-17 in the semifinals. On the other hand, the Regals have won 29 straight playoff games, claiming the last three 1A titles after 2A championships in 2010 and 2011. Regina will try to capture a seventh title in its ninth overall trip to the final.

Senior linebacker and running back Justin Hunter has been a key contributor to the last three squads.

'It's a great feeling,' Hunter said. 'Every year you are just trying to accomplish a goal with your brothers.

'It's an honor to be in this game. We've been working hard to get here.'

The efforts began in the summer, participating in service projects together. Cook recognized the leadership and ownership the seniors demonstrated. He said it inspired him to be a stronger coach.

'They have done all we've asked them to do. As a coach, that is all you can ask,' said Cook, who is 112-7 in nine seasons at Regina. 'It was hard work and they owned up, instructing and leading. I call it getting in the boat, grabbing an oar and rowing the boat. They were doing it. The showed a lot of character and leadership.'

This season hasn't been a smooth ride. Regina lost one of its top players — Nick Phillips — who injured his left foot in the first half in the loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier. He remains on crutches after surgery and will likely miss the entire basketball season. The Regals have overcome numerous injuries.

In the opener against Solon, Regina played most of the second half without Phillips and Stenger and still knocked off the 3A rival. The Regals subscribe to a 'next man in' philosophy.

'A lot of sophomores and juniors have contributed. You've had great senior leaders and that has helped,' Stenger said. 'There has been a lot of adversity but ultimately, I believe it has helped us become stronger. Everybody has raised their game a little bit.'

The Regals have scored 31 or more points in each of their four postseason games, beating Dike-New Hartford, 31-14, to reach the final. They also topped rival West Branch, 35-28, in the quarterfinals.

Determination and being coachable have been strengths of this year's team that continues to make adjustments to take control late in games.

'We are blessed to have great kids,' Cook said. 'I can think of instances where Justin Hunter just willed it. He refused to let the team lose in games. Nathan Stenger is in a position to do whatever it takes. If it calls for him to run it 30 times, he'll run it. If he needs to throw it 30 times, he'll throw. Ethan Suchomel has great instincts. … He gets a feel for what the game needs and makes the decision on the fly. It's been great for us.

'It's been a fun group to be a part of. Hopefully, we can finish it off.'

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com