BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County High School will kick off its football preseason with a scrimmage Friday at 6:30 p.m. at The Rock. The Cardinals are hosting Pikeville High School and Letcher County Central in a three-team showcase.

Head coach Josh Muncy says the scrimmage is more than just a tuneup for the upcoming season.

“We really want the community support in the stands on Friday nights,” Muncy said. “Our midnight practice helped to build a culture of brotherhood throughout the program. It shows that our boys are willing to work hard at any hour, in any weather, to put the best product on the field to make Martin Countians proud. You can’t find another group of young men that are more proud of who we are and who we represent.”

Hard-hitter Crayson Lafferty said Friday’s scrimmage will be the first chance to show how hard the Cardinals have been working.

“For this first scrimmage, we just want to show that all the work we’ve put in since the offseason is paying off,” Lafferty said. “We want to play hard, play together, and set the tone for the rest of the year. It’s our first chance to show what we’re made of. A lot of big and exciting things have taken place this season. The Cardinals will be making noise throughout the mountains, starting this Friday. Come out and support us!”

Kendal Mullins is looking forward to showcasing what to expect this season.

“I hold all my teammates, including the younger players, accountable by showing them how to be a good leader and player,” Mullins said. “I’m serious when I’m on the field. We are going to show the other teams that we are not weak and prove that we can go farther than we did last year. We have put in some very hard work for this season, and now it’s time to show it.”