Second-year head coach Josh Muncy feels like the football program at Sheldon Clark is headed in the right direction.
“Practice has been going great and the numbers are good,” he said as the Cardinals prepare to kick off the season at home on Aug. 17 against Betsy Layne.
Sheldon Clark was 2-8 one year ago, beating Betsy Layne in the opener and Morgan County in the finale.
“We were a freshman and sophomore-loaded team one year ago,” Muncy said. “We have those guys back with a season under their belt.”
The Cardinals are playing their final year in Class 3A, and in a district that Muncy calls a “monster.”
“We are ready to compete,” he said. “We just have got to give a good effort each week and improve as the season goes along.”
Senior running back Daylon Stafford and junior quarterback Drake Muncy return to guide the offense along with junior lineman Nick Harless and senior Andrew Vogeler.
After the opener against the Bobcats, other home games at The Rock include Knott Central (Aug. 24); Mount View, W.Va. (Sept. 7); Belfry (Sept. 21); and Lawrence County (Sept. 28).
Road games are scheduled for Phelps (Aug. 31); East Ridge (Sept. 14); Floyd Central (Oct 5); Pike Central (Oct. 12); and Morgan County (Oct. 26).
“It’s going to be a real challenge for our coaches and players,” he said. “We play in one of the toughest districts in Class 3A.”
The Cardinals will re-classify next school year and compete in Class 2A.