Holly Pond wide receiver Dylan Morton (1) and cornerback Mason May compete for a pass during fall camp on Wednesday morning. May forced an incompletion on the play. 

HOLLY POND — The Broncos have spent the entire offseason as winners.

It’s a feeling they definitely wouldn’t mind getting used to.

After snapping the state’s longest active losing streak at 29 with a 49-40 stunner at Cold Springs in last year’s finale, Holly Pond has even bigger goals in sight this fall. First is acquiring the program’s first playoff spot since 2011 and second is securing its first playoff win — ever.

With a strong senior class that’s stuck together through thick and thin, as well as an explosive offense that’s hardly had trouble scoring, neither goal is out of the realm of possibility. A new region and schedule that doesn’t include a single team with a winning record in 2015 definitely helps, too.

From down and out, to up, up and away.

That’s the plan, at least.

See how it could all play out with a glance of this year’s Holly Pond Broncos below and keep an eye out for a full story, roster and team photo in The Times’ annual football preview section on Thursday, Aug. 18.

2016 Holly Pond Broncos At-A-Glance

Head coach: Mike Bates, fourth year

Last year’s record: 1-9

Key departures: Alex Diaz, OL/LB; Trever Brannon, OL/DL; Tristan Priest, DL/OL

Key returners: Michael Lambert, QB; Caleb Jones, RB/LB; Zac Naler, TE/LB; Dylan Morton, WR; Jacob Wilson, OL; Jason Foshee, OL; Riley Gillilan, C; Kyle Sellers, SS; Romey Suryono, CB; Tyler Boatright, LB; Luis Garcia, CB; Colyn Cofield, OL/DL; Todd Schwab, K/WR

Key newcomers: Mason May, CB; Brody Rowell, CB; Jarrett Miller, LB; Alex Corneglio, WR/DL; Sean Shaddrix, OL/DL; Dustin Stancil, RB/LB; Tanner Duke, WR/FS

Odds and ends: Bates’ coaching staff is down to just three assistants but received a major boost with the return of Scott Adams. The program’s head coach from 2001-05, Adams will work with wide receivers and defensive backs after stepping down as the longtime leader of the school’s varsity girls basketball team. The Broncos reached the playoffs four of Adams’ five seasons as head football coach … Todd Schwab is still Holly Pond’s kicker. There might be a battle on who boots extra points, though. His competition? None other than senior Savanah Fortner. She’s improved drastically throughout the offseason and looked sharp from short range during practice Wednesday morning.

Coach speak: “I think it (Cold Springs win) gave them some confidence and that hard work can pay off. We’ll try to build on that and try to make sure that it doesn’t take so long to get another one.” — Mike Bates

Player speak: “You can throw anybody at us right now. We’re ready.” — Romey Suryono

“After coming off a win last year, I’m more excited now than I’ve ever been. I didn’t think that was possible, but I am. It’s just the momentum coming into it. I think we’re going to have a really good year. We’ve got a pretty good schedule going. We’ve got a lot more talent out here this year. I think we’ll be OK.” — Michael Lambert

“It helps a whole lot to know we can win ballgames when we go for all four quarters and give it everything we’ve got.” — Jacob Wilson

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2016 schedule

Aug. 19 at Coosa Christian

Aug. 26 at Brindlee Mountain

Sept. 2 vs. J.B. Pennington*

Sept. 9 at Susan Moore*

Sept. 16 BYE

Sept. 23 vs. Asbury

Sept. 30 at Locust Fork*

Oct. 7 vs. Hanceville* **

Oct. 14 at Fultondale*

Oct. 21 vs. Vinemont* **

Oct. 28 vs. Fairview**

* Class 3A, Region 6 game

** Cullman County game