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A lightning delay and a fast start from Berea couldn’t slow down the Landrum Cardinals in their season opener as they pulled off a rare victory over an Upstate 4A football program. The final score was 34-3.

 

After a two-hour lightning delay that postponed most of the region’s games, the two teams finally kicked off the season at Berea Football Stadium around 9:15 p.m. Friday night. Berea returned the first kickoff deep into Landrum territory, but the Cardinal defense would hold, forcing the Bulldogs to kick a 35-yard field goal that put the Dogs up 3-0. 

 

Berea would keep the momentum going with a fumble recovery, but the Landrum defense forced a turnover on downs thanks to big plays by LB Ronnie Beleut and DB Sam Smith. The Cardinal defense would force another four-and-out before releasing some lightning of their own in the form of running back Colton Link. 

 

The junior running back would break loose for runs of 73 and 55 yards to give his team a 14-3 halftime lead. He would add a 9-yard touchdown run for his third score, on his way to 175 yards total on ten carries. His outstanding performance was made possible by the powerful and precise offensive line play of Matthew Hodges, Jayden Van Wettering, Adam Hyder, Ben Ross, Josh Coats, and Grayson Watson. 

 

Coach Jason Farmer’s defense continued to make big plays into the 4th quarter, with Charlie Smith and Xander Cole stepping up in critical goal line and fourth down situations to keep Berea from reaching the end zone. Quarterback Titus Poore would connect with Jack Clark for a touchdown, and freshman A.J. Lindsey would add a 2-yard touchdown run to finish the scoring. 

 

The Cardinals will host former conference foe St. Joseph’s (2-0) on Friday, September 2, at Cardinal Stadium for their home opener. St. Joe’s are coming off a 35-7 win over Blacksburg.