Regals running backs ready for 'Next man in'

IOWA CITY -The philosophy is simple.Iowa City Regina's football program subscribes to the "Next man in" motto. Practice and plan to be the best, so you are when the game-time opportunity presents itself. It has been a contributing factor to the 45-game win streak and three straight state titles.The top-ranked Regals running backs could be a perfect example of that approach during Friday night's game at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in a clash of unbeaten Class 1A District 6 teams. Regina will turn to Jake Brinkman, Michael Adam and a couple others to carry the load with starter Riley Dixon out, suffering a sprained ankle in the first half of last week's 41-14 win over West Branch.“Coaches have been preparing us for this job,” Adam said. “If anyone goes down, we have to be ready to stand up and take their position.”The current situation is indicative of how the Regals have been able to reload each year, replacing talent lost to graduation. They prepare to step in whenever their numbers are called.“We work hard in the offseason,” Brinkman said. “You never know what's going to happen. Michael and I have to make sure to work hard, because this situation right here. Dixon's out, so we have to kind of be the leaders on the team now, and lead the offense.”Dixon has been a versatile weapon for Regina, rushing for 422 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 113 receiving yards on seven catches and a score. Regina Coach Marv Cook said a trait of a good team is depth at running back, and the Regals plenty of options, including Brinkman, Adam, senior Elliot Halsch and sophomore Nick Phillips.“We have multiple guys we can put in there,” Cook said. “As good as Riley is, he's a very talented football player, these other guys have strengths as well. We'll play to their strengths.“Some of these guys are powerful runners and bring a little bit different mindset to the running back position. Ultimately, I think they will be just as effective.”Cook said Brinkman is a good decision maker, who leads with his shoulder pads and runs downhill hard. He described Adam as a "true north-south runner" that doesn't dance around in the backfield. Phillips, who saw action as a freshman and has been a target as a wide receiver, is shifty, like Dixon. Halsch is big and physical.Regina's game plan won't change with the personnel.“We're still going to run what we run, and do what we do,” Cook said. “We have to be effective with it.”The offensive line will play an important part in the Regals' running success. The blocking has improved, making the rusher's job easier. Regina has run for 668 yards and 10 touchdowns already, including 6.7 yards a rush."Our offensive line has stepped up," said Dixon, who is in a walking boot and said he could return as early as the Oct. 4 game at Alburnett. "They made huge strides last week."Quarterback Drew Cook is the team's second-leading rusher with 100 yards. Brinkman and Adam have 33 yards apiece. Brinkman averages 4.7 yards a carry with two TDs. Adam owns a 5.5-yard average per carry and one TD. Brinkman has 76 receiving yards, including a 55-yard touchdown against Solon in Week 2.Both are anxious to increase those numbers, keeping the offense firing on  all cylinders.“I think everyone would be,” Brinkman said. “I'm excited to show them what I can do.”For now, the go from creating the holes to dashing through them. They want to take advantage of the opportunity.“Absolutely,” Adam said about getting more carries. “After all this blocking for Dixon, that's fun, but I guess I want to touch the ball.”Brinkman, Adam and Halsch all play offense and defense. Dixon focused on offense mainly, remaining fresher late in games when the offensive line wore down opposing fronts. They will have to monitor stamina and endurance during the game. Brinkman said being a "tough guy" and playing at less than 100 percent could hurt the team when a teammate could go harder for a play.“Obviously it's a unique set of circumstances,” Marv Cook said. “We just have to pay attention to that, have the coaches be smart about it and make sure we're not overworking them.”Each will be expected to contribute to the passing game. They will be called to be an outlet for Drew Cook, which helps their ability to run.“All four are capable of being effective in the passing game,” Marv Cook said. “They're going to need to be. That's what the position demands.”The Rockets defense has allowed an average a little more than 113 rushing yards per game. Dixon is confident the offense won't slip while he is sidelined."I think they'll do a good job," Dixon said. "They're in a good position to have success."