WITTENBERG-BIRNAMWOOD FOOTBALL PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT IS PRESENTED BY BAY BANK
The Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers are coming off a playoff season and enter the new campaign with plenty of motivation, confidence and a group of players eager to take the next step.
The Chargers traveled to the Milwaukee area for the playoffs last season, picking up a road victory over Brookfield Academy before falling in their second consecutive road game. Head coach Jason Rieck believes the experience of playing unfamiliar opponents and winning on the road has helped fuel his team during the offseason.
“I think we had a lot of guys putting a lot of work this offseason and come back hungry and ready to work,” Rieck said.
Wittenberg-Birnamwood will have some work to do along the offensive line after graduating several seniors from last year’s team. Only one returning lineman has significant varsity experience, but Rieck has been impressed with the competition for the open spots.
“We’ve had a lot of guys come out and compete. We’ve had a couple of new faces show up. They’re going to give us a chance to win and a chance to compete day in and day out,” Rieck said. “I’ve really liked what I’ve seen these first two weeks of practice.”
At quarterback, Bo Davis returns after gaining valuable experience as a starter last season. While there is some competition for the position, Rieck expects Davis to play a major role for the Chargers.
“He got a lot of experience last year that’s going to help him out this year,” Rieck said. “I think he’s really going to come out and kind of play with a chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove to people.”
Davis and the Chargers will be tested immediately. Wittenberg-Birnamwood opens the season against Bonduel before facing Tomahawk, two programs that have established themselves as tough opponents.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier once Central Wisconsin Conference play begins, making every game critical.
“Our conference is a gauntlet, and that’s nothing new,” Rieck said. “Every year that we’re here, we expect to win just like everybody else does. And that’s what makes every Friday night important.”
Rieck also emphasized the importance of not looking too far ahead. With the current playoff format making every victory valuable, the Chargers will focus on taking the season one game at a time.
“You can’t look past anybody. You can’t look ahead to the next week. You’ve got to play for that Friday night,” Rieck said.
After two weeks of practice, Rieck believes this year’s team has already made a strong impression.
“A lot of these guys waited their turn with how many seniors we had last year, so they’re ready to go,” Rieck said. “I want to say this is probably the best first two weeks we’ve had in a long time. So I’m looking forward to the season.”
With a hungry group of players, a returning quarterback and plenty of competition for starting positions, the Chargers are ready to see what they can accomplish in another challenging season.
2026 Wittenberg-Birnamwood Football Schedule
- Aug. 21: at Bonduel
- Aug. 28: vs Tomahawk
- Sep. 4: at Weyauwega-Fremont*
- Sep. 11: at Stratford*
- Sep. 18: vs Spencer/Columbus Catholic*
- Sep. 25: at Shiocton
- Oct. 2: vs Colby*
- Oct. 9: vs Marathon*
- Oct. 16: at Amherst*
* CWC Conference Game
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