Cardinals pick up District 7 awards
BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The 2023 season keeps getting sweeter for the Martin County Cardinals. On Nov. 1, the Kentucky Football Coaches Association announced Martin County High School Head Coach Josh Muncy as 2023 Distrct 7, 2A Coach of the Year and star linebacker/running back Madden Miller (#24) as Player of the Year.
In addition, 10 Cardinal players secured spots on the District 7 All-District Team, with an additional five players receiving Honorable Mention.
Player of the Year and Coach of the Year along with All-District selections are voted on by the coaches in District 7. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players, or coach.
Coach Muncy, who is currently in his seventh year at the helm of the Cardinals, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“I’m deeply honored to have been selected as the District 7 Coach of the Year,” Muncy commented. “It’s a true blessing to be part of this program. We have outstanding kids and I’ve surrounded myself with the best coaching staff I could ever ask for. Without these individuals, our achievements wouldn’t be possible.”
The coach added, “While our goal is never individual awards, it’s certainly satisfying to see our program receive recognition. We’ve put in the hard work, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
Senior standout Madden Miller’s remarkable season rightfully earned him the Player of the Year title. Miller’s offensive performance includes an impressive 603 rushing yards on 97 attempts, with six touchdowns. On the defensive front, Miller leads the team with 135 tackles, along with two fumble recoveries and one interception. His outstanding performance has garnered the attention of college coaches, with multiple offers on the table.
It also garnered the praise of his coach.
“Madden is an exceptional young man to coach. His work ethic is unmatched, and he possesses a natural instinct for football,” said Muncy. “I’ve witnessed him do everything a coach could hope for in player development. He also excels academically. It’s gratifying to see him reap the rewards of his hard work. I’m eager to see how he concludes this season and to watch his journey to the next level. I have no doubt he will succeed in whatever path he chooses.”
The Cardinals team success extends to several players who have earned their spots on the Class 2A District 7 All-District Teams, including Tate Crum, Noah Mollette, Bryston Wells, Corey Parsley, Madden Miller, Brock Messer, Julian Stafford, Devan Maynard, Damien Cheek and Aiden Horn.
Cardinals Joey Robinson, Brayden Estep, Rafe Price, Jackson Miller and Zach Hamilton have all earned Honorable Mention.
The Cardinals’ achievements in the 2023 KFCA Class 2A District 7 season speak volumes. Their hard work and dedication are paying off, and they are not finished. Their next challenge is against the Betsy Layne Bobcats at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Inez.
