2026 Team Preview: Sissonville Indians

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: WR Brody Scott - OL/DL Nick Slate - OL/DL Michael Walker - TE/DL Trent McCoy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sissonville took a major step forward in 2025, going 5-5 in Michael Hughes' first season as head coach. Hughes inherited a program that had won just four games since 2021 and was coming off back-to-back winless seasons, but quickly gave the Indians new life. Sissonville showed plenty of growth throughout the season and came close to making the postseason. Expect continued growth in 2026 as they have a great chance of earning a playoff berth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Ripley<br>9/4: at Tolsia<br>9/11: at Scott<br>9/18: vs Clay County<br>9/25: vs Ravenswood<br>10/2: vs PikeView<br>10/16: at Wyoming East<br>10/23: vs Poca<br>10/30: at Lincoln County<br>11/6: at Wayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>5-5<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sissonville returns nearly its entire roster in 2026, giving the Indians experience and talent at every level of the team. Veteran quarterback Maddox Balog leads an offense with plenty of weapons around him, while a big and experienced offensive line should give them the ability to control games up front and protect him. The Indians have the pieces to be one of the better offenses in Class AA and have plenty of confidence heading into the season. If Sissonville plays to its potential each week, there isn't a team on the schedule it can't compete with and beat, and we expect the Indians to make the playoffs for the first time since the shortened 2020 COVID season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616398"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 Sissonville QB Maddox Balog is coming off a junior season that deserves more attention than it received. Balog threw for 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns while helping lead the Indians to a 5-5 record and a major step forward as a program. His film shows a quarterback who plays under control, with clean footwork and a quick release that allows him to get the ball out on time. Balog also does a good job staying balanced and keeping his eyes downfield when the pocket starts to break down, showing a level of comfort that stands out. With a strong group returning around him, Balog has everything in place for a big senior season and should be talked about among the top quarterbacks in the state and potentially lead Sissonville to a special season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20030270/691cb73eac7978a67418b9f3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566c0d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2077336"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A breakout junior season put 2027 Sissonville WR Noah Evans firmly on the map heading into 2026. Evans caught 42 passes for 902 yards and 13 touchdowns while also making his presence felt at safety with 53 tackles and three interceptions. He has natural hands and does a good job adjusting to the football and can secure balls outside his frame. Evans also gets vertical quickly after the catch, allowing him to turn quick throws into explosive gains. With Balog returning at quarterback, Evans should remain one of the Indians' biggest offensive weapons as a senior and earn more accolades and college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24932429/691684533c43424000ec5c17u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566c94"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2091007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The physical tools jump out immediately with 2027 Sissonville LB Malyki Holtzman, who has a chance to make a big jump as a senior. Holtzman stands 6'1 220 and plays with a downhill style on defense, attacking the football with the same physical edge he shows as a ball carrier. His size gives him a strong presence in the middle of the defense, while his athletic ability allows him to cover ground and make plays in space. There is still plenty of room for Holtzman to continue developing, but his combination of size, physicality, and upside makes him an intriguing player to watch heading into his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23075205/6911e6bbd202a7d19c5b7584u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566d0d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224166"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sissonville adds an imposing presence up front with 2028 OL Adarian Pauley, who brings a 6'3 300 frame to an already stout offensive line. Pauley's powerlifting background shows in his strength and physicality, giving the Indians another player who can create movement at the point of attack. He should fit well in their running game and adds even more size and power to a group that could be a strength of the team. Pauley has the physical tools to make an immediate impact as he settles into the Sissonville program and develops over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AdarianPau94737/status/2057276046391513513","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AdarianPau94737/status/2057276046391513513 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624419"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With two years of varsity experience now under his belt, 2028 Sissonville OL Sam Dyer enters his junior season as a leader up front and a talented lineman to know for the Indians. Dyer saw varsity action as a freshman before taking a noticeable step forward as a sophomore, showing the strength and athleticism to create consistent movement in the running game. He has a good frame, and his experience at tackle continues to help him develop his footwork and technique. Dyer is another important piece of Sissonville's offensive line and will be a key reason for the Indians' success up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20476968/6918df71930670c0e479a3c8u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566db0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1536366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An injury limited 2028 Sissonville RB/LB Kyson Stone to just four games as a sophomore, making his return one of the top storylines for the Indians in 2026. Stone can provide a spark to the running game and give Sissonville more balance alongside a potent passing attack, and he can thrive behind a big offensive line paving the way for him. He is also expected to return at linebacker, giving the Indians another important two-way player to utilize. Stone has shown flashes of his ability early in his career, and a healthy junior season could be the opportunity he needs to turn those flashes into a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kyson_stone24/status/1989769618303439065","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kyson_stone24/status/1989769618303439065 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2227367"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566e2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sissonville has another returning starter up front in 2028 OL/DL Charlie Swain, who could be in line for a stock-rising junior season. Swain brings good size and strength to the interior and does a nice job locking onto defenders and staying attached through the whistle. He has powerful hands and can generate movement at the point of attack from his guard spot. With another year of experience and development, Swain has the opportunity to become a more recognizable name around the state as a key piece of the Indians' offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23192537/69f8a94ca64ac10092261f13u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7f5bb566e46"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2332325"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A breakout sophomore season put 2028 Sissonville WR/DB Deacon Moore on the radar as one of the Indians' top young players. Moore finished with 45 solo tackles and five interceptions from his free safety spot, showing a knack for finding the football and making plays on the back end. There isn't film available to evaluate yet, but that kind of production will get more eyes on him as a junior. With two more years ahead of him, Moore has a chance to develop into a top defensive back in the 2028 class and earn All-State recognition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kendrick Kay - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Cook - 2030 QB/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Miller - 2030 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->