3 things to know about Portage football before the 2024 season (2024)

While it missed the postseason last season for the first time since 2019, there were plenty of positives for Portage to draw on.

From three wins, coupled with some agonizingly close losses, to a successful transition into a brand new offensive scheme under coach Chris Rice, the Warriors have reason to be excited.

Turning the page to Year 2, Rice is optimistic some of those bittersweet moments can also start to tilt things in Portage's favor as it must replace the majority of its starters.

“Last year, it felt like we played not to lose instead of going for the win against these strong programs,” he said. “Our hope is that playing in these tough games has given us the confidence to finish strong when we have the opportunity this season.”

Here are three things to know about the Warriors this fall.

Portage’s rushing attack shifts skillsets

The biggest change Rice implemented in his first season was a shift to the Wing-T offense.The move paid major dividends, with the Warriors racking up 2,202 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground.

However, the majority of that production isn’t available as Portage graduated its top 3 rushers, led by Keagan Hooker’s 817 yards and 14 scores.

Despite the turnover, Rice is confident that this year’s crop of backs have what it takes to fill those shoes. David Nadolski (206 yards, 3 touchdowns), Ryker Rockhill (143, 1) and Max Kreuziger (123, 2) logged 54 combined carries last season, so the trio should have plenty of tread on the tires.

“I believe the players stepping up feel they have something to prove,” Rice said.

The other major difference is the running style. Compared to the bouldering bruisers last season, Rice said this year’s group is more of “a speed-and-finesse group.”

That will put more weight on the Warriors’ offensive line, which must replace three starters, to create open running lanes in the physical Badger Small. Rice believes what can speed that along is the shortened learning curve again running the old-school attack.

“We've been able to focus more on coaching technique rather than spending time on alignment like we did last year," Rice said.

New leaders to step up for Portage defense

The Warriors' defense has production to make up for as well with six of the team’s top tacklers lost to graduation.

Rice has a similar sense of optimism and confidence though with a number of returning players and new faces. Helping set that tone will be Kreuziger, who was second with 72 tackles last season, including 49 solo takedowns, and had an interception.

Nadolski will also be key in the defensive secondary, alongside Elias Vera, who is playing for the first time since his freshman year.

That’s also the case for Trent Jones, who will help anchor the Warriors’ linebacking corps alongside Tristan Brunt. Rice said Brunt, who had 16 tackles last season, “has a natural instinct for finding the football.”

“We're sticking with a similar approach to last year, aiming to improve our ability to get crucial stops,” he said.

Inaugural double crossover delivers difficult slate

Even as it remains unchanged in its offensive and defensive approaches, Portage faces a big shift in its opponents and the new six-team Badger Small.

Madison Edgewood and Lakeside Lutheran move over from the Capitol, while the Warriors will face Port Washington and Plymouth due to the league’s double crossover games with the East Central.

The matchups with the reigning ECC champion and runner-up won’t count toward the conference title, but they will affect playoff qualification.

While the additions of Edgewood and Lakeside Lutheran helped shrink the enrollment gap for the Warriors, the level of competition remains high.

“Every week will feature playoff-caliber teams, and we’ll need to execute at a high level to be successful,” Rice said. “Our hope is to stay healthy throughout this challenging schedule, which will be crucial for our success.”