BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Middle School football team is set to kick off its 2025 campaign with a preseason scrimmage against Pikeville on Friday alongside the high school team.

Head Coach Jason Maynard will officially open regular-season play on Aug. 12 against Pike Central at 7 p.m. The early season will also feature a road trip to Paintsville on Aug. 28 and a visit to East Ridge on Sept. 4.

The Cardinals will return home on Sept. 11 for a rematch with Paintsville under the lights before embarking on another road contest at Prestonsburg on Sept. 23 with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

A key home matchup against Shelby Valley is set for Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.

October action will see Martin County travel to Lenore for a 6 p.m. start on Oct.4, followed by a home contest against Boyd County on the ninth.

Two additional dates, Aug. 21–23 and Oct. 16–18, are currently marked as “To Be Announced,” with potential opponents or tournaments expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Coach Maynard believes it will be a successful season for the Cards.

“This schedule is going to challenge our boys to stay disciplined and work hard every week. We’re excited to see how they respond on both sides of the ball,” he said.