Solon drives for five

SOLON - The drive for five is alive. But talking about it if you're a member of the Solon football program is a bunch of jive.

“It's so early,” head coach Kevin Miller said. “It's hard to make that kind of determination about this team. I wouldn't put that on them.”

Nor should he. There's got to be enough self-imposed pressure for the 2011 Spartans.

Solon has won four consecutive state championships, something no other school has done since the playoff system was implemented in 1972. Its record in that span is an incredible 54-1, the loss coming last season to Iowa City Regina.

Regina ended up winning the Class 2A title, Solon the 3A championship. The Johnson County rivals meet again in Week Two.

Solon's season opener is Friday night at home against DeWitt Central.

Another title? There's plenty to worry about before district play gets under way.

“We never talk about it at all,” said senior quarterback J.J. Hanus. “It really is one game at a time. Right now, we are focusing on DeWitt Central. That's it.”

Solon has graduated a lot of firepower on both sides of the ball from last season, but having Hanus around to lead the offense is definitely a good start. He threw for 1,639 yards and 16 touchdowns, accounting for 2,200 total yards.

There are six other returning starters, most of them linemen. Defensive tackle Jake Morris (brother of Iowa linebacker James) and offensive guard-defensive tackle Jay Pike were all-district selections last season.

The skill positions are a lot more inexperienced, with Hanus and wide receiver Austin Dall (16 catches, 260 yards) the only veterans.

"It's going to be different because you always have to rebuild," Dall said. "We are going to be quick and fast. We'll definitely utilize that to our advantage."

“It's kind of hard to compare (last year's team to this year's),” Hanus said. “Obviously we've got a lack of experience. Hopefully the underclassmen will be able to step up for us ... I think we're just as fast as last season and maybe stronger.”

One things's for sure. Miller and his staff will make the most of this team's capabilities.

In 11 seasons at his alma mater, Miller is a mere 113-33. He considered leaving in the off-season for neighboring Cedar Rapids Prairie, but ultimately chose to stay.

“I knew he'd stay at Solon. This is where he wants to be,” Hanus said. “There are a lot of factors that play into (the consistent success), and it starts with Coach Miller and all the assistant coaches.

“We've got great coaches, great support from the community. And the athletes here always work really hard.”