Sissonville's football team has struggled the last four seasons, winning only four games.
The Indians haven't recorded a victory in two seasons. It's been more than 1,000 days since they won a game.
Sissonville's last win came on Nov. 4, 2022 against the Westside Renegades, 57-32.
Indians coach Mike Hughes is wanting to change the vibe at Sissonville in his first season with the Indians.
He's the third coach since 2021, following Jeremy Hairston and Chad Lovejoy.
Hughes previously served as an assistant at Herbert Hoover and most recently at Poca.
Hughes said the last few months with the Indians have gone smoothly, in large part to the players he has.
"They've been great," Hughes said. "One of the mantras that I've given them is that nothing changes. One of the benefits of coming into this program is, for the last few years, they haven't had much success. So, they're looking for success. Anything that I'm giving them, they are taking it in.
"The kids have been great, as well as my coaches, who are some of the best I've been around."
It isn't easy rallying players around a new coach and finding new ways to win, especially if they've gone winless the last two seasons.
Hughes is aware of that challenge and trying to give his players a reason to get excited.
However, this isn't a challenge he's backing down from.
"We have found some success since I've been here," Hughes said. "Why I coach and my beliefs I hold as a coach are, it's beyond wins and losses. With the kids and coaches, I don't talk much about wins and losses. I don't measure success when it comes to wins and losses. I measure it on, how I can help the kids out.
"They're starting to see that this is bigger than the losses, especially when they've had so many losses behind them. It helps them focus on getting better every day, instead of having that monkey on their back about trying to win a game."
The first-year Sissonville coach has seen himself grow during the short time he's been with the Indians.
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He gives credit to the community and the support garnered within Sissonville.
"I don't know if there's a better community out there," Hughes said. "I was telling somebody that I haven't had to ask for help a single time because there's been an outpouring of support from the community. They love their football here and want to be good at it. It's been awesome to step into this role."
Hughes has seen a common theme with the Indians.
"They're tough kids," Hughes said. "I give them all the credit in the world. We've had good numbers in the weight room. This senior class has been huge with guys like Nick Slaton, Trent McCoy, Chase Harding and Brody Scott. They're a tough-nosed group of kids.
"They've stuck it out. They're doing whatever I'm asking of them. It's always 'yes sir' and 'no sir.' They get it done."
Hughes mentioned a few position groups that have captured his attention in the linemen on both sides of the ball and wide receivers.
"We probably have the most depth at receiver right now, and those kids just flat out get after it," Hughes said. "Up front, three of those guys that are going to or probably will be starting for me are sophomores. I'm a big guy myself and always played and coached line. That's where my heart lies."
Three skill players that stand out to Hughes heading into the season are Noah Evans, Connor Pritt and McCoy.
They're emerging to complement quarterback Maddox Balog.
Balog passed for more than 1,700 yards last season while throwing 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for four scores in 2024.
"Maddox, for the years he's been here, has been able to keep the same quarterbacks coach and now offensive coordinator with Jordan Paul," Hughes said. "He's smart and seasoned enough that he knows where kids need to be. Now, he can be that field general where he's able to step up and be a leader."
Sissonville's first four opponents this fall qualified for the state playoffs last year - Sherman, Tolsia, Scott and Clay County.
The Indians will end their season with another 2024 playoff team in the Wayne Pioneers.
"Anybody can beat us," Hughes said. "So, we have to make sure we're being polished and going out there and competing and fighting tooth and nail. At the end of it, we'll see how we're standing."
