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LANDRUM—The Landrum Cardinals are gearing up for their season opener this Friday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m. The Cardinals will take on the Berea Bulldogs on their home turf in what promises to be an exciting start to the season. 

The Cardinals will be led by new head coach Brent Bridges, who replaced Coach Jason Farmer. Bridges, who spent 11 years as a coordinator at his alma mater, Broome High School, is excited to be back in the head coaching role. 

“It’s been fun returning to being a head coach,” Bridges said. “You do kind of forget all the little things that go along with being in charge of a program, but it’s coming back to me.”

One of the main reasons Bridges decided to take the Landrum job was his personal familiarity with the program and the people. 

“Landrum felt like the right timing and the right fit,” Bridges said. “My wife is from Inman and I’m from Cowpens, so we knew the area well. I am friends with Coach Farmer, and we talked about the school and program, but what really sold me was the people I’d be working for in the school and the district. It’s clear to anyone how much they care.” 

The Cardinals are looking to build on last year’s success, which saw them finish with a 6-5 record. Bridges is excited about the experience of this year’s team, which features 25 seniors. 

Landrum will be running the spread offense, with Dylan Threadgill serving as offensive coordinator. Mike Reid will be the defensive coordinator, running a 4-3 base defense. Bridges spoke highly of his players and their potential for the season.

“We’ve really got a lot of guys that have done a great job at being leaders.” 

The Cardinals will be looking for back-to-back wins over 4A Berea, who finished 1-9 last season. Notable players returning for the Cardinals include several All-State and Region performers. Colton Link and Braden Mashtere will lead an offense that ran for almost 2,700 yards last year behind an established offensive line of Ben Ross, Jaden Van Wettering and Adam Hyder. The defense returns contributors Dylan Collins, AJ Lindsey and last year’s sack leader, Marc Baker. 

Bridges is asking for alumni and fans to come out and support the team. “These guys have worked hard and shown great commitment to the school,” Bridges said. “We plan to honor the past while looking forward to a bright future.”