The newest season of high school football begins tonight for one KCII area team. The inaugural season of 8-man football is set to begin for the WACO Warriors, traveling to Victor for a non-district game versus the HLV Warriors.

WACO returns multiple contributors from last year’s 3-6 campaign in Class A 11-man football. Senior Jackson Roth is back as the Warriors’ starting quarterback. Roth amassed 776 passing yards, scoring five touchdowns and throwing seven interceptions. Senior Gabe Black returns to WACO’s backfield. Black rushed the ball for 535 yards on 106 carries, finding the endzone seven times. Junior Cody Crawford highlights the Warriors’ returners along the offensive line. Crawford was a letter winner his freshman and sophomore seasons.

HLV is embarking on their fifth season of 8-man football, compiling a 38-8 record during the first four seasons. The Warriors will look to replace their top two offensive weapons in 2016 graduates Dalton Kriegel and Nate VanBuren. Kriegel, the team’s starting quarterback last season, threw for a team-high 748 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kriegel also rushed for a team-best 1,145 yards. VanBuren, HLV’s starting tailback, scored a team best 24 rushing touchdowns.

Kickoff of tonight’s non-district 8-man football game between the WACO Warriors and the HLV Warriors is scheduled for 7 p.m. at HLV High School.