Getting to Know You: Urbandale J-Hawks
J-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