LIMA, OH (WLIO) — A 2-8 record is never what a team hopes for, and Shawnee's football squad is no exception.

Last season's disappointing finish doesn't tell the full story, according to third-year head coach Shane Wireman. He attributes much of the team's struggles to self-inflicted mistakes.

"A lot of our detriment was to ourselves last year — penalties, turnovers," Wireman said. "So obviously, we've been preaching on that all summer. We've got to stop turning the ball over."

After a winless season in 2022, the Indians started 2024 strong, winning their first two games. But the momentum quickly faded as Shawnee dropped the next eight games.

"It brings down your confidence when you lose a whole bunch of games," said senior Chase DePalma. "We had guys go down with injuries as the season went on, too. That kind of can derail your confidence as a team."

Senior Kobe Bentz agreed.

"It wasn't the best experience, obviously. We just weren't mentally tough," Bentz said. "That's what we've been working on all summer — just mental toughness, being mentally strong going into the season. So when things don't go our way, we can fight back."

This year, the Indians hope to build on experience, with a large group of returning players. Wireman is leaning on junior running back Isaac Meeks and senior brothers Dalton and Colton Hopson to lead the offense.

"Two brothers that run the ball — they've got good speed, but they're also not afraid to run inside," Wireman said. "We still have JJ Spyker back at quarterback, and that's going to be a big boost for us. He's a dynamic player who can play with his legs. He's really improved in reading defenses and is more confident in our playbook in year two. Those guys understand what we're trying to accomplish."

The players know progress takes time, but the seniors are determined to shift the team's narrative.

"Changing the mindset of the players around us — whether we win a lot of games or not — if we feel like we've put the program in a better spot, that's really what matters to us," one senior said. "Continue building a team, continue building people who like playing with each other, and continue building a culture."

Coach Wireman is focused on getting that one win to bring the team and community together.

"You just keep preaching to the guys: if we do things the right way, stay committed to our principles and work together as a unit — and everyone buys in — we're going to get that win," Wireman said. "When you get that win, and everybody didn't think you could, it really bubbles that confidence up. Once the confidence is there, we have as good athletes as anybody, and linemen as strong as anybody. We have all the makings. We have a good coaching staff. We have athletes. We have linemen. We have everything you need."

Watching the team practice, it's clear they don't carry the vibe of a squad that won only two games last season. As Wireman said, building confidence and buying into the culture starts with the players on the field.

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