ONA, W.Va. (WCHS) — It was the tale of two seasons in 2024 as Cabell Midland Knights lost its first five before winning out. Midland then fell in the Class AAAA playoffs.

New head coach Eric Fetty hopes to build off last year's strong finish.

"We have quite a few of those kids back, but not a whole lot of returning experience,” Fetty told Eyewitness Sports. “We’ve got three or four kids with real major varsity reps. The rest of the guys we've got are all new faces. They’re not new faces to the team, but new faces to Friday night. We're breaking them in and everything so far is going pretty good."

Turner Bailey, a senior running back and linebacker, said his new coach has put together a productive offseason.

"He's more relaxed but we're also getting a lot of stuff done,” Bailey said. “Everyday at practice we're working really hard and getting ready for each game."

Eric Fetty looks to bring stability to Cabell Midland's football program. (WCHS)

Fetty has enjoyed watching this team go to work.

"It's been really, really fun this summer as a coach because it's wide open and that brings competition,” coach Fetty said. “The competition to earn a spot has brought the team along faster in what you would in normal years. I think it’s been a benefit."

The new leader of the Knights wants to return to the old Midland identity.

"We look a lot like we use to. We're a flex-bone team using a little I-formation,” Fetty said. “We're going to run some option. We're going to throw it a little bit. Defensively, we're all about getting to the football. We're aggressive. We're going to attack."

Several players have caught Fetty's eyes during fall camp.

"Standouts so far offensively Turner Bailey on both sides of the ball actually. He's a senior who has been good for us running the football and playing linebacker,” Fetty said. “Keon Shelton is a great tight end. Keon has made some big plays for us in both scrimmage games so far. We've got a couple of return linemen up front. Brayden Armstead, our center, is returning and Bradley Edens, one of our guards. That's been good to have that cohesiveness. They're breaking a lot of new guys in with them."

With this second coaching switch in a year's time, Fetty is ready to bring stability to Cabell Midland football.

"I played here and graduated here. I was a sophomore when the school opened,” Fetty recalled. “I'm never going anywhere. This is my community. Midland having a good football team super important to me. I just wanted to step up and do my part for these kids and for the community."

Midland opens the season Saturday at Pikeville.