2025 ended for the Scott County Cardinals at the hands of a fellow Central Kentucky team, Woodford County, and cut short their hopes at playing for a 5A state title. Now as they turn to 2026, that 5A championship trophy still looms large. The Cardinals were an offensive juggernaut last year as they put up the 3rd most points in the class. They are set to return every meaningful skill player from that offense. 

QB Charlie Ellison, a rising junior, only averaged just over 108 passing yards per game but had 20 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. He proved to be a perfect commander of a passing game that complemented the dominant Cardinal rushing game. Skyler Way and Timmy Emongo both had over 1000 yards rushing for the season. As a team, they had an average of over 320 rushing yards per game. Emongo also was the leading receiver, adding 10 touchdown receptions to his 18 rushing touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. 

The defense was also devoid of many seniors last year. The defense let up 23 points per game on average, which seems high but led to a pretty successful year given that high scoring offense.

The leading tackler, Asher Brewer with 86, the leader in sacks, Anderson Owens with 11, and the leader in interceptions (also Brewer), are set to be back as seniors.

There is absolutely zero question that the talent is there. And we also should expect some roster fluctuation that may even improve that. But can Scott County string together the consistent play in all facets of the game needed to win the big playoff games down the stretch?

Seems like their Achilles heal is defense. Never a lack of scoring points. 

If I remember correctly they struggled big time in the special teams department in big, close games. My middle aged brain may be deceiving me, but definitely feel like that was the case.

If they sure that up, they will be in great shape next season and definitely one of the favorites.

Scott County will be much better this year on both sides of the ball. A team full of juniors/sophomores last season will take the field nearly the same as last year.

Obviously, the players to watch are Timmy Emongo, and JuJu Harmon. They are all state level players who will be key components in a team they will be their best since at least 2022.

Returning Junior QB Charlie Ellison having another year of development will be vital as well. The sophomore played great last year, but also had moments where his lack of experience was noticeable. If he steps up and plays better ball in the big moments that offense will run through anyone in the state.

However, the offense wasn’t what kept them from another state title. Defensively, they were young, and small. Their secondary was solid and filled with talent but their front 7 was very inconsistent at best, at their worst not good. 

Their schedule will be stacked yet again. Some matchups are yet to be revealed, but Highlands, BG, Woodford are sure matchups. They went 1-3 in those games last year with Woodford winning both games. This year they are built to beat these teams more so than they were last year. Getting Woodford at home this year likely to decide the district will be massive.

All in all, There is a lot to be learned in regards to this Scott County team. Who’s new? Who are they playing in their non conference slate? What adjustments will be made defensively? A lot of good questions!

The schedule typically comes out before  school goes out in mid May. A team I’d look out for as a week 1 matchup is Franklin County. They usually play us every other year. Would be a great matchup if that’s the case!

I will add more to the 2026 Scott County thread as information comes in.

SC is king.

On 2/7/2026 at 8:10 PM, Scottcountyred said:

Scott County will be much better this year on both sides of the ball. A team full of juniors/sophomores last season will take the field nearly the same as last year.

Obviously, the players to watch are Timmy Emongo, and JuJu Harmon. They are all state level players who will be key components in a team they will be their best since at least 2022.

Returning Junior QB Charlie Ellison having another year of development will be vital as well. The sophomore played great last year, but also had moments where his lack of experience was noticeable. If he steps up and plays better ball in the big moments that offense will run through anyone in the state.

However, the offense wasn’t what kept them from another state title. Defensively, they were young, and small. Their secondary was solid and filled with talent but their front 7 was very inconsistent at best, at their worst not good. With nearly no graduates, more than likely a few transfers and another year under the players belts I see their front 7 being significantly better.

Their schedule will be stacked yet again. Some matchups are yet to be revealed, but Highlands, BG, Woodford are sure matchups. They went 1-3 in those games last year with Woodford winning both games. This year they are built to beat these teams more so than they were last year. Getting Woodford at home this year likely to decide the district will be massive.

All in all, There is a lot to be learned in regards to this Scott County team. Who’s new? Who are they playing in their non conference slate? What adjustments will be made defensively? A lot of good questions!

The schedule typically comes out before  school goes out in mid May. A team I’d look out for as a week 1 matchup is Franklin County. They usually play us every other year. Would be a great matchup if that’s the case!

I will add more to the 2026 Scott County thread as information comes in.

SC is king.

Franklin Co. will have the tall task of Scott Co in Week 1! It's turned into a fun series to watch! I'm assuming it will have the same structure as last year, with Scott Co and GC hosting their respective games? If so look forward to seeing that new facility up close! It's a nice looking campus! 

Soon to be Junior NT Lucas Fint has gotten a lot of looks online for his bench of 405 x 8. Love the attention on Scott County football!

Fint being a wall in the middle of our line for the next two seasons will be crucial, as we saw last year how vital it is to have run stoppers. Go cards.

On 2/8/2026 at 9:27 PM, Flyer_Fan87 said:

Franklin Co. will have the tall task of Scott Co in Week 1! It's turned into a fun series to watch! I'm assuming it will have the same structure as last year, with Scott Co and GC hosting their respective games? If so look forward to seeing that new facility up close! It's a nice looking campus! 

With the new enrolment numbers. Franklin/Scott may be a district game. That maybe a crazy district Franklin/Scott/Woodford.

On 2/19/2026 at 6:47 PM, Truebluedude said:

With the new enrolment numbers. Franklin/Scott may be a district game. That maybe a crazy district Franklin/Scott/Woodford.

I saw that I'm curious as if that will happen. Talk about a loaded district; it would make for some action-packed football games!

1 hour ago, Flyer_Fan87 said:

I saw that I'm curious as if that will happen. Talk about a loaded district; it would make for some action-packed football games!

It would be the next year…. But I’m sure all 3 won’t be in the same one. All 3 coaches/AD’s / principals will throw a hissy fit if it is. 

I saw Scott Co is looking for a second scrimmage. Who was their second this past season? 

1 hour ago, DearToday said:

I saw Scott Co is looking for a second scrimmage. Who was their second this past season? 

Was it Louisville Central? 

56 minutes ago, Statsdontlie said:

Was it Louisville Central? 

I think you’re right. 

4 hours ago, DearToday said:

I saw Scott Co is looking for a second scrimmage. Who was their second this past season? 

No one. They did a red vs white scrimmage, and Lou central. 

18 hours ago, Truebluedude said:

It would be the next year…. But I’m sure all 3 won’t be in the same one. All 3 coaches/AD’s / principals will throw a hissy fit if it is. 

I think having them all in one district would hurt; however, if you can take care of buisness you would know that you would have a solid shot to make a run. I can't wait for August! Nothing like Friday Nights. We lost a ton of explosive playmakers, so we will see what it looks like. But every team loses playmakers every year. Either way, Go Flyers! Ill be watching to see what shakes out with this!