IVA — Last year was one season Crescent doesn’t want to re-live.

Following their first winning season since 1999, the Tigers registered one win.

“If nothing else, it’s a humbling experience,” coach Troy Gamble said. “And one I don’t care to experience again, and from a coaching perspective, I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been.”

That’s why the coaching staff is looking for more and better leadership this fall.

Crescent returns two seniors and six juniors, and most of those players were around for the trip to the playoffs two years ago. And Gamble is looking to his seven returning starters to guide their younger teammates around the weight room and in conditioning drills.

“We need some of the younger kids who played JV to really grow up, and step in right now and be ready to play right now,” Gamble said.

Entering his third season at the helm, Gamble and his coaching staff have worked the halls trying to coax more athletes to the gridiron. And the coaches hope these newcomers can gel with the core group at least by midseason.

“Overall we’re progressing in the right direction,” Gamble said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but that first group really laid a good foundation. Although we took a step backwards last year as far as the wins are concerned, the ones that are coming back, maybe it created more of an appetite for success for them.”

Senior tight end Brett Chambers said the team is motivated by its 11-year region championship drought, and hopes to get back in the playoff mix.

“You’ve got to come out with the determination that you’re going to win from kickoff to closing,” Chambers said. “Last year, a couple close games, but we came off soft, kind of at the beginning and had to come back in the end, and it just didn’t work out.”

Last year: 1-8 (did not make playoffs)

Returning starters: 7 (4 on offense, 3 on defense)

Key loss: QB Chris Pepper held the offense together and was a key rusher next to RB Ross Weller. Pepper also showed leadership in the huddle, which may be as difficult to replace as his yards and touchdowns.

To be a factor in the playoffs: “It’s all going to depend on whether these kids come together and play as one. It’s just a matter of whether they buy into the program and put this team first, and they come ready to work, and they put it on the line for each other.” — Troy Gamble.

Brandon Bashaw, sr., OL

The undisputed leader by example on the offensive line, Gamble calls him, “probably the strongest kid I’ve ever coached in terms of natural strength. Watching him on film and in practice, when he gets his hands on somebody, he puts a lot of people on their tail.”

Bradley Mitchell, so., RB

In the season finale last season, a 43-42 loss to Blacksburg, Mitchell rushed for 200 yards. With eight returning upperclassmen, Mitchell has a chance to get playing time, and lay a leadership foundation for the underclassmen.

Telvin Tillman, jr., RB

Has some experience in the backfield, Tillman could get the bulk of the carries to start the season until Mitchell takes over. At 5-10, 165, he’s one of the faster players on the team.