Iowa City High Coach Dan Sabers, encouraing his players during last year's Class 4A championship game against West Des Moines Dowling, adjust his offense every years, based on his personnel. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

By Jason Brummond, correspondent

For Dan Sabers, the tweaks and tuning of his offense starts in the summer and it might last into camp.

Usually the changes are subtle. Sometimes it’s an overhaul. But they’re always there.

“When you can’t recruit the personnel that you need, then obviously I’ve always believed that you have to put kids in the best situation you can to be successful,” Sabers said. “Rather than say, ‘Well, we run this come heck or high water.’ I think you have to look and say this is the personnel I have and what can I do that allows them to excel as best they can.”

The Little Hawks (1-0) travel to Waterloo West on Friday carrying a 29-game regular season winning streak, in large part because of their powerhouse offense.

City High has ranked in the top 10 in total offensive yards in Class 4A each season since 2008, when the school started its stretch of three consecutive undefeated Mississippi Valley Conference championships.

The best passing output came two years ago in 2009, when A.J. Derby led the Little Hawks to a state championship. Last season, City High racked up 3,937 rushing yards with Ronald Thompson and quarterback Andrew McNulty both gaining more than 1,100 yards on the ground.

The Little Hawks may be even more aggressive rushing the ball this season with speedy quarterback Jasper Washington, who played wide receiver last fall but was a QB earlier in his career. There’s a bit of a learning curve, Sabers said, but Washington might be even quicker than Derby and McNulty.

“He’s working hard and he’s getting better at it,” Sabers said. “We’re just scratching the surface with things that Jasper will be able to bring and what will feed off of other areas.”

All factors even, Sabers’ offensive choice would be to line up in pro formation with I-backs — exactly what he’ll have this season. The only twist may be an option look from Washington.

Thompson, a tough runner who gained 1,350 yards in 2010, rushed for 126 yards last week against Dubuque Senior and should help alleviate pressure from Washington as he progresses.

Sabers said he feels lucky to have talents like Washington, Thompson and wide receiver Jeremy Johnson, among others, who still work hard to improve.

“It is pretty exciting to know you have players who can take a 5-yard play and make it a 50-yard play or more,” Sabers said.

LITTLE HAWK OFFENSE

Year           Rushing       Passing

2008              231.5          127.7

2009             214.9           145.4

2010              281.2          106.4

Last week     340             78