The WACO Warriors will be the last area football team to put toe to leather and kick off a new season when they face Fremont-Mills in a highly-anticipated 8-man matchup tonight. WACO is ranked tenth in the preseason state media poll after a dream season in 2022, starting 13-0 and making it all the way to the state championship game before falling to Remsen Saint Mary’s.

Most of the all-state talent that was key to the Warriors’ run is gone, like record-setting running back Simeon Reichenbach; tackles leader Drew Diers; safety Mason Miller and his nearly 20 interceptions over the last two seasons; receiving leader Odee Shtefanchuk; and starting quarterback Isaac Oswald.

But that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare for head coach Chad Edeker and his staff. Among the returners is junior Louden Huisenga. On offense, the fullback had over 600 yards from scrimmage and scored 13 touchdowns last season. Huisenga was also a terrific linebacker, piling up 59 tackles and three interceptions.

The biggest piece returning for WACO might be senior Colton Leichty, who was perhaps the best edge rusher in the state last year. Leichty’s whopping 27 tackles for loss and 17 sacks not only led 8-man but also finished top five in the state across all classes. Along with defensive end, Leichty is expected to make more of a contribution at tight end, while other returning starters like junior Clayton Miller and seniors Chase Waterhouse and Reece Oswald will be called on to lead the way.

The Warriors get an immediate test in the opener, facing a fellow preseason ranked team that also went to the playoffs last year. Fremont-Mills was 8-3 last season and brings back a large chunk of their roster. Leading the Knights will be senior Braxton Blackburn, who not only ran for over 1,000 yards on offense but also dominated opposing offenses with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

The game is a neutral-site collision of top-10 8-man teams being play at Valley Stadium in Des Moines. WACO battles Fremont-Mills beginning this evening at 7.