BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County football gave the community its first glimpse of the 2026 season July 31 during the second annual First Flight practice at The Rock.
The evening brought the youth, middle school and high school programs together under the lights, with each group taking the field throughout the night.
First Flight allowed players to compete in front of the community while giving young Cardinals the chance to look across the field and imagine themselves wearing a high school uniform one day.
Martin County High School Cardinals encouraged and hyped the younger players throughout the event, showing the connection the program is working to build from the youth level to Friday nights.
Martin County head football coach Josh Muncy said the event gives coaching staff an early look at the talent developing throughout the county.
“We want to build a program and not a team,” Muncy said. “If we just wanted to build a high school team, then we would just do us and worry about us. But we’re trying to build a program and get them all out here.”
Muncy said coaches were able to picture how the younger players could contribute to the program in years to come.
“Our coaches are walking around and looking into the future tonight,” Muncy said. “They’re saying, ‘When these guys get up to us, this kid is going to help us here.’ They get a chance to evaluate the future years down the road. It’s pretty cool.”
Youth players opened the event, followed by the middle school Cardinals. The high school team closed the celebration with its midnight practice.
Martin County youth football coach Chad Williams said First Flight is a special opportunity for the youngsters because it allows them to watch the older players and see what they could become one day.
Youth football Coach Justin Preston is excited about the upcoming youth season. He has played a significant role in helping the program continue to grow.
Blaine Williams will quarterback the fifth- and sixth-grade division. The multisport athlete is expected to play a major role for a talented group of young Cardinals.
Muncy believes that division will give football fans plenty to look forward to this fall.
“That fifth- and sixth-grade team is going to be fun to watch this year,” Muncy said. “Really, really fun to watch.”
Waylon Porter will throw the pigskin for the third- and fourth-grade division. Kenny Maynard returns as coach and believes Martin County has a wealth of promising young talent moving through the program.
The high school team will rely on seniors Brandon Wells, Kendal Mullins and Bryson Osborne to provide leadership in the trenches.
Jerrod Haney is set to take over at quarterback after playing a major role at receiver last season.
The Cardinals will officially open their season Aug. 21 on the road against Lawrence County.