Cedar Rapids Jefferson hopes the adage "speed kills" turns out to be true this season.

The J-Hawks, traditionally known for being one of the biggest and most physical teams in the Mississippi Valley Conference, have a little bit different skill set this season.

“We have played a similar style of game for the six years that I have been here, because it has been good for the players we’ve had, which is physical players that might not have all the football skills of somebody who plays all year,” said Coach John O’Connor. “So we have tailored our system around that with tough-nosed defense, and we look for certain opportunities on offense.

“This season with the speed we have, I look to make some definite changes with the way we attack the game," he said. "We are still going to be known for our defense. That’s something I live by. But I think that we will open up the offensive side a little more.”

New outlook on offense

The players are already excited about the possibilities their newfound speed allows them.

“We will be able to play balls through and since we are fast we will be able to catch up to those and really cause problems for defenders,” said midfielder Stefan Krohn.

The J-Hawks have always been more of a defensive team and at times last season had trouble scoring, but this year they are hoping that finding the goal will not be an issue.

“We have definitely struggled in the past to move forward and get shots on goal,” Krohn said. “While we’ve been scrimmaging, we are able to move the ball around a lot better.”

But even with an improved offensive outlook, Jefferson will not abandon its tradition of strong defense, as the entire back line returns from last year's team. It is especially useful to have that experience together on the defensive side of the ball.

“You have to understand how the person next to you is going to play,” said defender Zach Trcka. “You don’t want one person pushing up while someone else is dropping back.”

Team adds strength and conditioning coach

It will be important for Jefferson to stay healthy this season, especially considering the mass injuries the team has suffered the last couple of years.

“As long as we keep everybody healthy I think we have a good chance,” Trcka said. “Last year nine of our starters were hurt at one point.”

To help avoid injuries, Jefferson has brought on biology teacher Darius Ballard as a strength and conditioning coach. Ballard’s goal is to improve the team's strength and flexibility, and the players feel like it is working.

“I have already noticed how much easier things are than they were last year,” striker Esam Al-Yasseri said. “Our core, push-ups, sit-ups, we can do more, faster, and in better form.”