Regina reaches time to make history

Iowa City Regina's biggest moment has arrived.

The Regals have an opportunity to cement its place among the state's top prep football programs.

A win, a trophy and history are all at stake when top-ranked Regina faces No. 7 Fort Dodge St. Edmond in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A state championship game Friday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Kickoff is at 11:06 a.m. and will be televised live on KCRG 9.2.

'It's real exciting for all of us,' Regals senior Elliot Halsch said. '(Regina assistant coach) Alex Kanellis kept telling us not to shy away from it. Don't be scared. Embrace it. Be proud of what you've done.'

The Regals have accomplishment plenty. Regina will try to eclipse the state's longest all-time win streak, tying the record of 55 straight wins set by Waterloo East (1965-71). A win also ties the Trojans record for longest unbeaten stretch, which began with a tie.

The Regals will attempt to become the second school in state history to win four straight state titles, claiming the 1A crown last season after 2A championships in 2010 and 2011. Rival Solon won four consecutive titles from 2007-10. A victory would be the Regals' fifth championship overall, tying Decorah, Solon, Wapsie Valley and West Des Moines Valley for fourth in Iowa history.

'I think it's incredible,' Halsch said. 'Our coaches have really built a dynasty. They've really made a process of it. When everyone, feeds into it, it works out real well.'

The last loss came at home in the 2009 2A state quarterfinal against rival Solon before these seniors joined the high school ranks. Little did they know the loss they watched as eighth-graders would the Regals last varsity setback, leading into their last prep contest. They didn't imagine the level of success that awaited them.

'I had envisioned a state title as a senior,' Linebacker Casey Beaver said. 'I never thought we'd be going for a four-peat and not losing a (varsity) game.'

Regina has reloaded each year, losing a batch of senior starters and replacing them with just as capable players. Some of them are getting their first chance to make their imprint on the program.

'I'm excited about the opportunity this team has to go out and play for a championship,'Regina Coach Marv Cook said. 'A lot of these guys starting didn't in the last two or three. This is their first experience to go out and win a state championship. Each one is so different.'

The unselfish nature of the players this season has been impressive this season. Many have sacrificed for the sake of the team, playing different positions than in the past.

'There are some really talented football players, some good athletes and we've required the guys to play positions that aren't natural for them,' Cook said. 'It's always impressive when you have kids willing to do that for their teammates. I think we've done more of that this year.'

Cook said he hasn't done much reminiscing. The biggest highlight is the overall team effort.

'There have been a lot of great players,' Cook said. 'When I look back I see the different seasons and players and the role they've had. We have 65 guys and all 65 have helped us be a good football team. Every single year we've had that same thing.'

Ultimately, the results depend on the players' work and execution. Intangibles go a long way into extended success. Beaver said if you have put in the time, it will show on the field.

'It is passion and hard work,' Beaver said. 'The passion because you have to believe you can do it and give it all you've got. The hard work is in the offseason and it pays off when you're playing football.'

Cook said a winning program relies on a collaborative effort, including the community support. Everyone must align with group's goals, desiring to compete and be the best.

'You have to have a culture of people, who really love to play football and want to be a part of it,' Cook said. 'If you have kids that buy in to the system and want to be a part that helps.'

It helps when you have a strong family dynamic within the program. The Regals have a number of players with blood connections to the program.

Senior lineman Mike Sehl watched his older brother, George, win a state title with the Regals. Beaver's older brother, Kile, was a member of the Regals first state title. Halsch's brother, Anthony, was a senior when the Regina streak started and now he will look to put the finishing touches on what his brother helped start.

'He's a mentor of mine and kind of a hero figure,' Halsch said. 'I remember watching him when I was a freshman. I wanted to be exactly like he was when I became a senior.'

Cook's son, Drew, is looking to be the fourth starting quarterback during the championship stretch. Linebacker and running back Jake Brinkman's dad, Mike, is Regina's defensive line coach. Cook considers all the players family. He has watched many of the members grow up with his son from preschool.

'It's been fun to see the guys cycle in … that's actually what makes it so much fun,' Marv Cook said. 'It has a family element to it.'

The Regals have had more blowouts than nailbiters. They have beaten various teams with different schemes from different classes. There has been pressure during the streak, but they have survived all the challenges, so far.

'There were targets on our backs,' Beaver said. We couldn't overlook any team. They're going to show up and throw all they can at us.'

Confidence is prevalent and overrides any sort of cockiness. Doubt has crept in their minds in the past, especially earlier this year. Halsch said he and Regina running back Riley Dixon were anxious before the Solon game that they won 38-0.

'We didn't know what to expect,' Halsch said. 'There was a lot of talk about them being quite a good team. We were nervous because it was tight around the number (of consecutive wins) where we beat them. It was a high-tension game.'

The Regals face another high-tension game with the Gaels (13-0), who are making their first appearance in the title contest. St. Edmond dropped Van Meter in the semifinals. The Gaels are powered by a strong running game led by Vinnie Harvey and T.J. O'Tool, who have combined for 3,000 yards and 49 touchdowns. St. Edmond's has only allowed 91 points this season, allowing seven points a game.

'They have a dynamic group,' Marv Cook said about the Gaels. 'They earned and deserved it. They have a nice mix of players, so it's going to be a challenge for us.'

The preparation has been the same as it has been for the previous 55 straight wins. The team has visualized lifting the trophy up after the game, owning that prize and a hallowed state record.

'It's more business as usual,' Halsch said. 'We just try to keep getting better. We are not going to take this game for granted at all. We want to go out and win big and move on to next year.'

CLASS 1A

Iowa City Regina (13-0) vs. Fort Dodge St. Edmond (13-0)

Rankings: Regina is ranked first. St. Edmond is No. 7.

Radio: KCJJ 1630 AM.

TV: KCRG 9.2 at 11 a.m. Friday

Notable: History will be made by one of the two teams. The Regals advanced to the title game with a 45-21 semifinal win over North Fayette Valley, tying Waterloo East (1965-71) with the state's longest all-time win streak with 55 straight victories. If Regina claims sole possession of the mark, it would also join Solon (2007-10) as the only programs to win fourth consecutive state titles. Regina has a balanced offense, rushing for more than 2,700 yards and passing for more than 2,400. Junior QB Drew Cook helped the Regals, throwing for more than 300 yards in the semifinals. He has 2,386 yards through the air and 21 TDs to just three interceptions. Riley Dixon provided three rushing touchdowns, amassing 1,309 yards and 18 TDs this season. The Regina defense has been solid throughout the season, allowing just one second-half TD. The Regals have four shutouts this season, giving up a little more than nine points a game. Fort Dodge St. Edmond has been just as impressive defensively, surrendering 91 points for an average of seven points per game. The Gaels have allowed 14 or more points just twice this season and limited 10 foes to nine or fewer points. St. Edmond has a strong rushing attack with duo Vinnie Harvey and sophomore T.J. O'Tool. Harvey has 1,581 yards and 35 scores, while the speedier O'Tool has 1,419 yards and 14 TDs. Gaels Coach Dick Tighe is the state's all-time wins leader, posting a record of 413-154-8, but is playing in his first championship game. This is his 22nd appearance in the playoffs and eighth with St. Edmond, hoping to lead the school to its first state title.