Season Preview: East Dubuque Warriors

East Dubuque entered the 2019 season with some talented skill guys, but on the line they didn't match up with a lot of other teams they faced. Coming into 2021, the key for the Warriors will be line play once again. East Dubuque will see some changes as long-time Head Coach Terry Breitbach stepped down. Taking over the lead for the Warriors will be new Head Coach Joe Edler. Coach Edler brings a lot of experience with him as he quarterbacked the 2010 state champion Lena-Winslow Panthers, and most recently served as an Assistant Coach for the Orangeville Broncos as they began to build back into a playoff team.

The last time East Dubuque had a winning record was in 2014, their last year in the Upstate Division when they went 5-4. The Warriors will play 4 teams that were in the playoffs last season, along with past conference powers in Dakota and Galena, two teams the Warriors have consistent struggles with. They have some good talent to build around in the skills department with a very talented junior class that can compliment the returning experienced seniors. If the Warriors can adapt to Edler's offense quickly, they can make some noise early out of the gates. The middle of the Warriors schedule is where things will really tighten up once again.

The Warriors are 7-7 all-time in the playoffs. The Warriors last reached the playoffs in 2013, ending a 5 year run of playoff births that included back to back quarterfinal appearances in 2009 and 2010. The best run the Warriors put together came back in the 2000 season, when they reached the semifinals for the first and only time in school history. East Dubuque will kickoff the 2021 season at home against Orangeville. The Warriors are very confident with the incoming group they have, and the question will be; can they stir the echoes of that 2000 team?

East Dubuque Playoff History

1976 0-1

2000 3-1

2009 2-1

2010 2-1

2011 0-1

2012 0-1

2013 0-1