The Program: Regals get up to game speed for Alburnett

How do you come off a game where the third play of the game eliminated any real threat from the competition?You face a team in game-like conditions that is one of the best in your district. For Iowa City Regina, a simple scrimmage will do.The Regals  simulated game situations against each other on the Regals field, under the lights, Tuesday in Iowa City. The Regals are hitting their stride fresh off a 51-0 win over Cardinal. It was exactly what was expected.For Regina, the game allowed just about every player (if not all) in the game. The Regals scored six first-half touchdowns, allowing them to start substitutions with quite a bit of time left in the second quarter.Look at it from this perspective, four Regina players took snaps at quarterback. Twelve running backs received at least one carry, and eight players caught passes. I say players, because not all were receivers. Lineman Payton Maske caught a tip pass, going for a 2-yard loss.Regina Coach Marv Cook was able to rest a lot of his starters but this week included some steps to avoid rust. So, the scrimmage-like practice was necessary on Tuesday. The goal was to get the players up to "game speed" during the week.Alburnett is a non-district game, so all that is really on line here is the win streak as the Regals look to break a tie for third with West Des Moines Dowling and Anamosa on the state's list of longest unbeaten streaks. A nice scrimmage and game simulation in the "red zone" was a good step to ensure the players are firing on all cylinders on Friday night.There was a good sign for the Regals at Tuesday's practice. Running back Riley Dixon, who severely sprained his left ankle during the Week 3 win over West Branch, was dressed in pads. At the end of practice, he was standing and watching the first team defense face the scout offense. He had his cleat off and had ice wrapped around his ankle.Dixon originally said he could be cleared by the Alburnett game, but would more likely return for the Week 7 game at Wilton, which will probably determine the Class 1A District 6 champion.For now, his teams are up to speed.