SOUTH WAYNE — While the Black Hawk-Warren Warriors will have to replace nearly its entire offensive line and quarterback, the program returns a hot-bed of talent, including two 3-year starting running backs.
“We have 15 letter winners returning for this season. We return both our running backs for a third year this season,” said coach Desie Breadon. “Lucas Milz and Landen Mahoney will be key factors on both sides of the ball this season. Reed McNutt started at wide receiver and cornerback last season and will be switching to quarterback. Dylan Haldiman and Brady Stietz started on the offensive line last season and will be back again this season.”
Both Milz and Mahoney rushed for over 1,000 yards and a combined 27 touchdowns last year, a season in which both earned all-conference honors. Milz averaged 6.5 yards a tote, while Mahoney reached 8.2 yards per carry. Both also play key roles on defense, with Mahoney recording two sacks and a fumble recovery, while Milz had 117 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an INT, forced fumble and fumble recovery.
McNutt also played two ways, recording 32 tackles in the secondary. Haldiman is back to anchor the offensive line in his senior season, while Stietz is a returning starter and just a sophomore.
Milz, McNutt, Mahoney and senior Deth Dunlavey all are being recruited by a number of Division III colleges in the Midwest, Breadon said.
Others returning that will make an impact include seniors Jovanny Erickson and Tyler Heller, juniors Quincy Adams, Andrew Figi, Jaryn Fonseca and Drew Stietz, and sophomores Riley Mosley, Will Stietz and Owen Seffrood.
“There are a number of other players that could be big contributors based on how they develop early on in the season,” Breadon said. “Dunlavey has good athletic ability and toughness to step up and be a contributor on both sides of the ball. Erickson is an athletic player that can play multiple positions on offense to create mismatches. Figi is an athletic player that will be a significant contributor on both sides of the ball. Drew Stietz is a smart and athletic player that will be an anchor on both sides of the ball. All four have the ability to make a big impact this season.”
The team is not without its challenges, though. After graduating 12 seniors, just 13 total upperclassmen return. Multiple players are switching to new positions, and the nonconference schedule is tough, with North Fond du Lac, Marshall and Darlington all slated to play the Warriors.
Despite all that, Breadon said this year’s program goals are simple — win the Six Rivers Conference title, and see how deep into the playoffs they can go.
“This team has big expectations and goals for this year. Our goal is to be one of the top Division 7 schools again this season,” Breadon said. “Right now I see our running game as one of our biggest strengths this year. Our overall team strength and power are also strengths this season. We have a good core group of players with experience and a number of athletes to use in different ways.”
