Getting to Know You: Urbandale J-Hawks

UHS_logoJ-Hawks coach Sam Anderson makes no bones about it. The graduations of 1st team All-State WR and ISU Cyclone Allen Lazard and QB Logan Augustine will be challenging, but Anderson feels confident with a solid group on the offensive line and skill players with experience. That experience starts with returning RB Abdulai Mansaray and K Hesten Steen. Dylan Landess will be called upon to replace Augustine, with senior Jake Quirk and juniors Jake Heinrich and Caleb Bright shoring up the offensive line.

On defense, Evan Economos and Grant MacDougal will patrol the defensive backfield, as P Elijah Conrey will help with giving the defense an opportunity to control field possession with punting duties. Coach Anderson feels that Waukee is the favorite in 4A District 4, but he says that the J-Hawks have what it takes to be competitive each week and qualify for the playoffs, with the goal to win the 4A title.

Urbandale Stats

2013 Record: 7-3 overall, 4-1 Division 1

2014 Class & District: Class 4A, District 4

Coach:  Sam Anderson 19th season (112-79 overall, 46-55 at Urbandale)

Returning Starters – Offense

Jake Heinrich, OL, 11, 6-4, 280

Caleb Bright, OL, 11, 6-4, 270

Jake Quirk, OL, 12, 6-3, 255

Abdulai Mansaray, RB, 12, 5-10, 180

Hesten Steen, K, 12, 6-0, 175

Returning Starters – Defense

Evan Economos, DB, 12, 5-10, 175

Grant MacDougal, DB,12, 6-0, 180

Elijah Conrey P/K, 12, 6-0, 170

Returning Letterwinners:

Dylan Landess, QB, 12, 5-10, 200

Chris Ballah, DL, 12, 6-0, 200

Zach Crouse, DL, 12, 6-1, 200

Cole Scieszinski, LB, 12, 5-9, 200

Ben Moss, RB, 12, 5-10, 180

Alex Newberg, RB/LB,11, 6-1, 200

RJ Nordell, OL, 12, 6-0, 210

Key Newcomers:

Quinn Dannefeldt, WR, 11, 6-5, 195

John Heinrich, WR,11, 6-2, 175

Kyle Stolz, DB, 11, 5-9, 170

Darien Smith, DL, 11, 6-5, 195

Coaching Staff: Tim TeBrink, William Gray, Dave Hekter, Ryan Williams, Dan Schuck, Tyler Perry, Rod Reis

Team Strengths: The J-Hawks return a solid group on the offensive line and some skill players with experience.

Team Question Marks: Replacing the bulk of the defense and All state QB/WR combo Allen Lazard and Logan Augustine.

Interesting storyline: Anderson feels that the team to beat in their district (4A-4) is Waukee. Urbandale has qualified for the playoffs five consecutive years. Before coming to Urbandale, Sam Anderson coached West Delaware to five post-season appearance, with a runner-up finish in 1995.

Team Goal: To be competitive each week, qualify for the playoff putting your team in a position to compete for a state title.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold):

Aug. 29 @ Des Moines Hoover

Sept. 5 Dowling Catholic

Sept. 12 Johnston

Sept. 19 @ Cedar Falls

Sept. 26 Indianola

Oct. 3 @ Waukee

Oct. 10 Mason City

Oct. 17 @ Marshalltown

Oct. 24 Ft. Dodge