SOUTH WAYNE — A new season; a new conference: and the same goals for the Warriors.

Black Hawk-Warren has lost just one game in two years — and for the Black Hawk side of it, just two games in four years. The goal this fall is the same as always: Win conference, make the playoffs, play at Camp Randall.

“We have high expectations and goals again this season,” said second-year head coach Desie Breadon, who won the COVID-Small Conference Coach of the Year this past spring. “Our first goal is to win the Six Rivers Conference. We want to qualify for the playoffs and make another run at returning to the state championship.”

In the Alternate Fall season this past spring, the Warriors shared the COVID-Small Conference title with Belleville, finishing with a 4-1 league record and 5-1 overall. The Warriors had 14 players named all-conference. Just four total players graduated, which included Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year Thatcher Schliem and Ryan Molitor — both players were named to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association’s All-Region team for southwestern Wisconsin.

“We lost a big weapon in the passing game and blocking with tight end Ryan Molitor graduating (first-team TE, All-Region, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Star Game). It will be hard replacing last year’s senior leadership,” Breadon said.

He’s also a bit concerned about overall numbers in the program, especially given the low turnout in the junior class, with just eight on this year’s squad. The Warriors will also have just five sophomores and two freshmen, leaving the 13 seniors to do much of the heavy lifting.

“There are a number of JV and incoming freshmen that could make an impact depending on how they continue to grow over the summer and how well they understand the system.  There are some backups and rotational players from last year that could make a big impact this season,” Breadon said. “One of the challenges will be having players mentally fresh after last year and spring with the challenging school year and overlap in sports due to COVID-19. We will need some younger players or non-starters from last year to step up and improve our team.”

While there is concern with overall numbers and general experience, those who return give Warrior Nation not just optimism for a winning record: but for another deep run in the postseason.

For one, the team’s running game will be a strength. Not only are there a majority of offensive players returning, but running backs Lucas Milz and Landen Mahoney were first-team all-conference picks as sophomores, combining for more than 1,400 yards in just six games. Quarterback Brayden Bohnsack also returns, giving the Warriors experience under center.

“The run game will be a strength, the passing game will be very much improved, and [we have] a number of dangerous skill position players,” Breadon said. “The whole offensive backfield is back which will be a strength and three returning offensive linemen. We have a number of weapons to use on offense this year, which will give us some good mismatches.”

Defensively, the Warriors will line up improved from the start of last season, with nearly everyone returning from the spring and understanding their assignments better than before.

Returning all-conference players include Christian Eaton (OL), Owen Huschitt (LB), Reed McNutt (DB), plus Milz, Mahoney and Bohnsack. Other returning starters include Elijah Shelton, Dayton Burmeister and Dempsey Schliem. Antron Evans, Nathan Figi, Gabe Nelson, Lane Raab, Cade Stietz, Seth Dunlavey, Jovanny Erickson and Dylan Haldiman all return as letterwinners from last season.

In the slightly-adjusted Six Rivers this season, the Warriors will host five games, including three in South Wayne and two in Warren. Nonconference opponents include Westby and Marshall.

“It’s going to be another tough, physical, and competitive year in the Six Rivers,” Breadon said. “The top four teams are all capable of winning conference and making a run in the playoffs.”

Breadon expects the top teams to include his own squad, plus Potosi-Cassville, River Ridge and Benton-Scales Mound-Shullsburg.

“They are all really close in potential. Benton/Scales Mound/Shullsburg lost a majority of their skill positions, but will be really good up front on both sides.  Potosi/Cassville and River Ridge both are going to be good all around.  The order of finish could largely depend on any injuries,” Breadon said.