The Program: Regals prep for Homecoming week

Iowa City Regina is 4-0 with 46 straight wins, ranking fourth on the state's all-time unbeaten streak list. The Regals have a lot to celebrate but this week the entire community will be celebrating with the annual Homecoming game against Eldon Cardinal on Friday.Homecoming isn't taken lightly by the Regals. Head coach Marv Cook preached to the players immediately after the 42-12 win at Eddyville-Blakesburg that Homecoming is a time to honor the 50 or so years of Regina football. Many alumni and former football players will be back to watch them play. The players seemed to take it to heart, wanting to put on a good show for the home crowd.The Regals have a week of fun that started with involvement in a Powder Puff football game. Despite an anticipated blowout against Cardinal, the Regals have to keep focus. Cook emphasized the team's opportunity to support other athletic teams during the week. After the Tuesday practice, Cook suggested the players support the volleyball team at that night's game. Cook also mentioned the team had plans to go to the cross country meet on Thursday to cheer on the runners.Of course, it's all business Friday against Cardinal.Cook and his coaches spend most of the time teaching this Tuesday. He spends time, at length, to explain blocking schemes to players in various formations and plays. For Cook and offensive coordinator Ed Hinkel, working with the offense, this is a good time to go back over the first four weeks to  correct what they have not done right.The team breaks up, working on individual defensive drills with defensive line coach taking his group to the shoots, working on exploding low.Coach Kevin Stout worked with the defensive backs. Coverage was the lesson."Don't get eyes on me until you find out where the wide receiver is," Stout said to one of his players.Linebackers focus on reads and how to fend off blocks for the proper assignment. It's easy to see the meticulous attention to detail by the coaches, putting players in the position to be successful. (I'm falling victim to "coach speak.")The team ran 7-on-7 drills. Quarterback Drew Cook becomes the victim of razzing from the defense when he threw an interception and had a few passes defended. The drill is fun and competitive. Hinkel steps in at QB for a time, but the competition and fun might have gotten personal. Regals standout linebacker and running back Jake Brinkman made a comment while sitting out that got Hinkel's attention."Do you think you can cover me? Seriously? You think you can cover me?" Hinkel asked."Umm, well, you now or when you played," Brinkman inquired quietly.Hinkel shook his head and smirked before continuing with practice.It's cooler than it has been with a light rain falling on the practice field. The evening has fall weather so closely related to football. The team doesn't seem to be affected by the distractions of the week. They are workman-like, except for a moment in a post-practice huddle where Cook has to snap at a couple players about paying attention and listening.The Regals will be ready for Friday.