Enhanced aspirations at Cedar Rapids Jefferson

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Jefferson J-Hawks are tired of being grounded, and want the program to take off.

The quest to turn things around started a couple weeks after Jefferson's disappointing 0-9 record last fall.

The J-Hawks dedicated more time in the offseason, running, lifting and working on football skills, attempting to erase the memory of the winless season and replace them with aspirations of making the Class 4A playoffs.

The team has shown more fire and focus in early practices, drawing motivation from last year's campaign.

"We've attacked the season with a new attitude," senior Ryan Evans said. "We don't ever want that to happen again here at Jefferson. Right after the season our players were pretty determined to work starting in the winter."

The effort was made in the offseason with hopes for it to pay dividends. Players lifted, worked on technique and drills and participated in various camps. J-Hawks head coach Jim Womochil said games can be lost based on work hard a program works from January to July, but his players have demonstrated they are serious about being successful.

"I think a true measure of that is how much they give you in the offseason," said Womochil, who is in his 11th season as J-Hawks coach. "That's part of buying in. This has been one of the better offseasons we've ever had in terms of the number of kids participating."

The players have altered their approach, preparing for the 2011 season well before the official start of practice. The season is not just a three-month commitment.

"A lot more guys have bought in to the idea the season is all-year round," quarterback Alex Baxter said. "It doesn't just come around in the fall."

The culture change didn't happen overnight. It was created and fostered by a core group of seniors who are providing the leadership last year's team was lacking. They drew the praise of Womochil, who mentioned contributions by Evans, Baxter, lineman Mic Vesey and Tanner Lund.

The team created a leadership committee and eight players took a leadership course to assist them in guiding their teammates.

"It taught us how to handle situations," Evans said, "as far as getting guys in the weight room and motivated for the season."

A team effort was needed and it made it easier for players to step in to that role together.

"We're all out here helping each other," Vesey said. "We weren't afraid to get after it.

"We're trying to get our pride back. All of us are."

The players already can see the impact. Evans has been happy seeing the team come together already.

"It makes you feel a lot more confident in the team and the season," Evans said. "It's one of the most exciting feelings that you'll get when a team comes together."

Jefferson has 19 returning starters, including most of the skill positions on offense, big linemen to run behind and its three leading tacklers in Jordan McCormick, Drake Allen and Lund. They know what to expect and should be more sure of themselves on the field.

"Experience is one of our strengths," Womochil said. "I think confidence says a lot. We've been through nine games ... and there should be some peace and comfort in that."

The J-Hawks will rely on Baxter to provide most of the offense, especially with the graduation of big-play threat Tanner Unkel. The senior quarterback was the team's leading passer and second in rushing, combining for 1,050 yards and four touchdowns last year. His top two receivers, Lund and McCormick, return. Baxter has worked to become more of a dual threat, admitting he was more of a second running back who threw in desperate passing situations a year ago.

"I worked on my passing a lot," said Baxter, who practiced with receivers throughout the offseason. "It's completely night and day compared to last year. The thing that has kept me effective is the running aspect of my game."

The J-Hawks made the postseason in 2008, when these seniors were freshmen, and haven't had a winning season since going 9-1 in 2000. Womochil and his staff stress the importance of having high expectations. They are shooting for the stars with playoff goals, but their coach believes in them.

"We want to be in the top half of the state," said Womochil, estimating four wins would put them in the 32-team 4A playoff field. "We expect to be competitive in every game we play in this year.

"I think we have the group and the numbers to be competitive for four quarters against most everybody in the league."

Watch as players participate in fumble recovery drills

J-Hawks kicker Andrew Patience attempts 40-yard field goals during Monday's practice.