The 2025 season has kicked off and the Woodhaven Warriors Football Team is on a roll! The Warriors started off the season with an astonishing 5-0 record with major wins over Wyandotte and Allen Park in recent weeks; a comeback story for the ages people are calling it. Last season left an awful taste for the returning players, and they were determined to turn around this football program. The boys worked tirelessly this off-season and summer to ensure this season will leave a mark on history. Not only is it the first time the Warriors have won against a non-league opponent but they have shown they can dominate on both sides of the ball.
This feeling of “winning” is something special; as a senior this means a lot to me, because it shows all of the hard work being paid off in a positive way. Veteran head coach Dave Mifsud has preached the term “W.I.N.” (What’s Important Now) throughout this season to ensure our players think about what we have to do to be a championship caliber team.
The Purple Pulse: “The program has gone from struggling with records at or below .500 over the past two seasons to now being a championship contender. What do you think has made the biggest difference? Is it the players, the coaching, the attitude, or something else that makes this team special?
Coach Dave Mifsud: “A definite contributor to the success this season thus far, compared to some of the struggles the past two seasons, is the commitment and dedication and the hard work in the off-season. Not just this off-season but last year as well. The current juniors and seniors have done such a great job in the weight room and the off-season workouts for two years. Not only has it made a difference physically with the strength, but also with confidence and camaraderie. This is a huge factor. I also feel that there is more respect and trust with the current players for their teammates and coaches than there has been the past two seasons, and there are stronger and better relationships between the players and coaches. These are the kinds of things that I believe are contributing to the success of this year’s team.
Woodhaven will look to extend its winning streak Friday as they welcome Edsel Ford for a classic Downriver League match. A victory would push the Warriors to 6-0 and further establish themselves as one of the best in the state.
The Purple Pulse: “Looking ahead to next week against Carlson, which many see as a potential DRL championship game, what do the guys need to do to come out on top and position themselves as DRL champs this year?
Coach Dave Mifsud: “I don’t like to look ahead like this. But the bottom line is that our team needs to stay focused and work to get better everyday. The preparation we do now, is what will contribute to our performances if we find ourselves in a championship game. The motto we have had “W.I.N.” (What’s Important Now) – is perfectly applicable – as for those who look down the road and see a championship attainable and “important” to us… it needs to be important to us now in our preparation and our work ethic. We must continue to get better and work to get better and make progress everyday.
For now, Warrior fans have much to look forward to…. their team is back, hungry, and proving every Friday night that they are a force to be reckoned with again. The boys are here to stay.
