WEST POINT — The Warriors have finally found their happy place.

Sure, West Point is still in Class 5A, Region 8, but there’s no denying it’s a much more manageable abode than the previous two years. All four of the region’s playoff contenders in 2013 — Muscle Shoals, Cullman, Athens and Hartselle — have risen to 6A, leaving intriguing incomer J.O. Johnson to duke it out with region holdovers Lawrence County, East Limestone and Russellville, among others, for hosting rights and playoff spots.

Oh, and don’t dare forget the Warriors.

All indications point to a breakthrough campaign for the Maroon and White. They’ve got a fourth-year quarterback in Bryant Farley, a fully healthy Kobe Smith in the backfield, downright intimidating defensive ends in Trent Campbell and Ryder Jones, returning starters at 20 of 24 positions, and a hearty 16 seniors eager to leave a lasting legacy at their eventual alma mater.

Be that as it may, it was hard to find a single coach or player at fall camp who was anything but humble. Yes, West Point is hungry for its first playoff bid since 2008, first playoff win since 1994 and first winning season since 2005.

But humble, too.

“We match up better, but nothing got easier,” Smith said. “We’re still working hard and doing everything like we’re supposed to be doing. We’re just going to do our thing.”

Don Farley shared many of the same sentiments. The second-year head coach doesn’t expect any less than 100 percent from his kids no matter what level of competition they’re up against.

“The schedule is what it is,” Farley said. “Whoever comes in on Friday night or wherever we go on Friday night, they’re going to suit up and give their best. That’s all I’ve ever asked.”

Last year’s 4-6 record certainly doesn’t look all that snazzy, but it provided a solid starting point. The Warriors have more than enough momentum considering their 3-2 second-half showing that was capped off by consecutive wins against East Limestone and Fairview.

Now, West Point will try to “catch the wave and ride it” — all the way to its first region title and home playoff game since 1994.

Just don’t expect Farley to look that far ahead. He thinks it will be a wide-open race at the top of the standings and only wants his players to focus on one game at a time.

When pressed about if a region championship is obtainable, Farley didn’t budge. He did counter with a bit of good-natured coach speak, though.

“Let’s put it this way: I like our kids, I like the coaching staff, and we’ll play them and see what happens,” Farley said. “You’re not going to play ’em all 10 at once.”

Skill guys Farley, Smith, Jones, Will Wrenn and Blake Yearwood, as well as linemen Delton Cooke, Kyle Butler and Nathan Williams make up the offense’s eight returning starters. Ryan Smith and Drew Jenkins will step in upfront after seeing significant snaps last fall, and Sawyer Currington and Andrew Hamm headline a horde of hosses who will be counted on for depth.

Alex Hernandez and Cameron Moore will combine to make up for the departure of do-it-all playmaker Tristan Dubberly. Wrenn will also line up behind center at times to let Farley roam free at other positions.

West Point’s projected starting defense consists of solely seniors, all but one a familiar face from last fall.

Coach Farley has every reason to see his line as a strength, with Campbell, Jones, Butler and Cooke once again prepared to push opponents around. Levi Laney and Jacob Perez are back at inside linebacker, while either Lance Ray, Austin Young or Jacob Daniel will fill the two outside spots. Wrenn, Yearwood and Ryan Dye form a formidable trio in the secondary.

Sophomore Tristin Skinner resumes kicking and punting duties.

The Warriors have two dates on the calendar to be extra excited about.

Their Sept. 5 matchup versus Columbia will be played at Alabama A&M, another school that dons maroon and white. Two weeks later against Pope John Paul II, West Point will celebrate its 50-year football anniversary by recognizing the 1964 team.

The game will also serve as the Warriors’ home opener and first chance for fans to sneak a peek at the stadium’s new scoreboard and 25-second clocks.

As pumped as Farley is for the renovations, he’s well aware folks will be hard-pressed to follow suit if West Point doesn’t head back home from an opening three-game road stretch with positive results.

“It doesn’t mater what the scoreboard looks like if you’re on the wrong side of it,” he said.

Aug. 21 at Curry (jamboree)

Aug. 29 at Hayden

Sept. 5 at Columbia (Alabama A&M)*

Sept. 12 at Ardmore*

Sept. 19 vs. Pope John Paul II*

Sept. 26 at Hanceville

Oct. 3 vs. J.O. Johnson*

Oct. 10 vs. Russellville*

Oct. 17 at East Limestone*

Oct. 24 vs. Lawrence County*

Oct. 31 vs. Priceville

* Class 5A, Region 8 game

Who: Don Farley

Previous positions: N/A

Years at West Point: Entering second

Overall record: 4-6

Region record: 2-5

Last year: 4-6, 2-5

Region titles: 0

Playoff appearances: 0

Playoff record: 0-0

Advanced past first round: 0

Best season: 4-6 in 2013

Worst season: 4-6 in 2013