MADISON – The Warriors are the WIAA Division 7 state
champions for the second consecutive season after a 6-0 win over Edgar Nov. 21
at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
Black Hawk-Warren scored the only touchdown in the game late in the second quarter on a 30-yard pass from Ethan Williams to running back Cayden Milz. Other than that drive by the Warriors, which including a 53-yard run by Jaylen Rufenacht, defense was the name of the game.
There were five turnovers in the game, and Black Hawk-Warren held Edgar to 0-for-3 on fourth down attempts, including twice in the fourth quarter. Rufenacht intercepted the ball with just over a minute left to seal the win for the Warriors.
“It’s … amazing. It really is,” said senior Josh Lozada, an offensive lineman from Warren. “We have an amazing team and I’m really grateful to have every single one of them. I’m just so thankful for this amazing season.”
The game marked the second straight year that Black Hawk defeated Edgar in the finals. It was also the third straight year the Warriors as a program had reached Camp Randall.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment for 10 or 12 years – ever since we were managers in third and fourth grade – me, Cayden, Gunner (Foecking), Lucas (Flanagan), we were always talking about our senior year raising that gold ball. To have that happen, it’s surreal,” Black Hawk senior lineman Avery Baumgartner said.
Black Hawk-Warren outgained Edgar in total yards 220-141. The Wildcats were just 1-for-11 on third downs and were 4 for 13 passing. Williams was 9 of 16 passing for 102 yards, connecting with six different receivers in the process. Rufenacht had 111 yards rushing on 18 carries.
The game also marks the final contest with Cory Milz as head coach. Milz is just the second person to head the Black Hawk program since it’s inception more than 50 years ago. He coached for 18 years, winning three titles in four tries at Camp Randall.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling, to do it like this,” Milz said. “You don’t write a script like that. We’ve had a lot of success, and I’m just so grateful for everybody that’s stood with the program and volunteered their time and put a lot of minutes, heart and soul into this program with me over the last so many years.
“You kind of feel when it’s time, and for me it makes sense.”
