Martin County Cardinals poised for strong season: Coach Muncy leads experienced squad

Devan Maynard launches a pass in a scrimmage game versus Lawrence County in July at The Rock. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The 2024-25 school year is underway and it is football time in the Bluegrass. The Martin County High School football is set for the second scrimmage game Friday at Floyd Central at 6 p.m.

Coach Josh Muncy, the 2023 District 7 Class 2A Coach of the Year, will lead the Cardinals. He will be heading into his eighth season at the helm.

Muncy’s Martin County squad is a favorite to repeat as the Class 2A District 7 Champion.

With 15 seniors, the Cardinals have plenty of leadership to go around.

Devan Maynard will be QB1. With Maynard’s rocket arm, the Cards could add passing as a serious threat.

Aiden Horn, Damian Cheek, Brayden Estep, Brandon Wells, Chase Stacy and Julian Stafford are some key returners for the Cards. Athleticism will not be an issue with this lineup.

Crayson Lafferty, a gridiron stud transferred in from Paintsville, was the lead tackler in Class A last season. Lafferty can run the ball, too.

A Martin County receiver escapes a Bulldog defender this July during a passing game in Inez. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

Weston Jude transferred back to Martin County after a season at Johnson Central and is known for his athleticism and strength.

On Friday the Cards will take on former Sheldon Clark coach Shawn Hager and the Floyd Central Jaguars. Coach Hager’s squad was 6-6 in the 2023 season.

Martin County will open the regular season Aug. 23 when they head down Route 80 to play the Hazard Bulldogs with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

On Aug. 30 the Cards will face Pike County Central in the Pike County Bowl at Belfry at 6 p.m.

All remaining games on the schedule are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m., beginning with three home games in a row in September. The Cards will host Shelby Valley on Sept. 6, Paintsville on Sept. 13 in the Harvest Bowl, and Magoffin County on Sept. 20. They will wrap up the month at Perry County Central on Sept. 27.

Martin County is set for three district matchups in October. The Cards will go to district rival Prestonsburg on Oct. 4 before hosting Knott County Central for a district contest Oct. 18 at Cardinal Stadium. While the week of Oct. 11 is bye week, Martin County will be in district action at Floyd County Central on Oct. 25.

The Cardinals wrap up the regular season schedule Nov. 1 at home against East Carter.

A Cardinal player scores a touchdown while his teammate celebrates at Cardinal Stadium last month in a passing game versus Lawrence County. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

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