BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — You can almost begin to smell the crisp autumn leaves in the air. It’s that time of the year again. The KHSAA dead period has ended and football teams across the state opened up helmet-only practices Monday.
Coach Josh Muncy brought his Martin County Cardinals onto the field for his first official practice. Over 40 players turned out.
Muncy went over rules for the team and expectations for the season.
“It’s a real possibility that we will be playing in late November,” Muncy said. “We set goals, and we believe you can make it that far. Now you guys have to get it ingrained in your heads that you can.”
After going over some key points, such as staying hydrated, the teams started out in lines and calisthenics at the agility pads. Players broke out into groups depending on their position. The team then came together to play in their offensive groups.
“I want to gradually increase the players into conditioning,” said Muncy. “It’s all about building up their endurance and making sure they’re taken care of in this July heat.
The Cardinals are coming off their best season in years. After finishing last season 8-5 and hosting a playoff game for the first time in 11 years, the Cards are hungry for more.
The team lost seven seniors from last year, most of which were big impact players. Coach Muncy still expects to make big waves. Every year has been an improvement and the coaching staff doesn’t expect any less for this season.
Senior Dawson Mills and Caleb Costa are looking to have a big year. Mills led the team most of last season in rushing with 1,460 yards. Bryston Wells, an offensive tackle, had 75 tackles and is expected to have some college coaches knocking on his door. Martin County also has a transfer from Frederick Douglas that is extremely athletic and should make an immediate impact.
“We have a couple of incoming freshmen that are pretty good,” said Muncy. “They’re not quite there yet, but we’re going to get them there.”
You can get an early glimpse of the Cards as they are set for a passing game Thursday at 6 p.m. at The Rock. Prestonsburg, Lawrence County and Paintsville will attend.
