There are alot of questions surrounding the Mayfield Cardinals as they will host the Owensboro Red Devils in a preseason scrimmage this Friday. How will the team respond to its newest head coach? Can the Cardinals maintain a level of excellence that they are known for? These are just a couple of the many questions being asked right now.

The word I have received (and it is very reliable) is that while many are talking, the 2026 Cardinals have gone to work. This team may surprise some folks (if that is possible) given the situation. Robbins is back at QB with a LOADED backfield. Mayfield just may run more than they have recently because of the talent they have running the ball. All of this is dependent on everyone staying healthy,

We will find out some things as the powerhouse Red Devils will come to play some powerhouse football. Can the Cardinals hang with them?

Doubtful that the Cardinals will hang around though I’m interested to how this one plays out Friday. Two of the better teams in WKY, should be a good one! Football is back!

As stated in another thread, Red Helmet Sports will be streaming this game live.

Cardinals are always a worthy opponent who never lays down no matter who’s across from them. And if they’re as good as mentioned this should be a good battle in the beginning.. However, the Red Devils return a lot of star power with some new upcoming stars hitting the field. I would be a little surprised if this scrimmage is close. Expectations are high at 1800 Frederica street. A close game/scrimmage with any 2A school this year would definitely fizzle out those expectations.

We have got to get our linemen up to where they need to be to play X and CAL. Demarcus Jr will be running for his life.

On 8/5/2026 at 5:57 PM, Devils Fan said:

Cardinals are always a worthy opponent who never lays down no matter who’s across from them. And if they’re as good as mentioned this should be a good battle in the beginning.. However, the Red Devils return a lot of star power with some new upcoming stars hitting the field. I would be a little surprised if this scrimmage is close. Expectations are high at 1800 Frederica street. A close game/scrimmage with any 2A school this year would definitely fizzle out those expectations.

What’s your rationale? Other than key returners, what sets them apart? Can O match up with Mayfield upfront? That would be my greatest concern going into this scrimmage.

2 hours ago, jester270 said:

What’s your rationale? Other than key returners, what sets them apart? Can O match up with Mayfield upfront? That would be my greatest concern going into this scrimmage.

The line is a concern of mine. Was last year also until the mid season and O still had their way with Mayfield. That was with Ganaway Jr getting his first snaps as a Red Devil. Now there’s more chemistry and all his star WR’s return. Even then I don’t think the Red Devils offense will be the Cardinals biggest test. It’s the Devils defense. They basically return 9 starters on a championship defense that has 3 legit D1 athletes and a couple of D2. Unless I’m missing something and Mayfield picked up some super stars or returns their entire team I don’t see why the outcome will be much different than last year….

If O’s line is as down as everybody thinks maybe this could end up being a long season for the Devils. I guess we’ll know by tomorrow.

8 hours ago, Devils Fan said:

The line is a concern of mine. Was last year also until the mid season and O still had their way with Mayfield. That was with Ganaway Jr getting his first snaps as a Red Devil. Now there’s more chemistry and all his star WR’s return. Even then I don’t think the Red Devils offense will be the Cardinals biggest test. It’s the Devils defense. They basically return 9 starters on a championship defense that has 3 legit D1 athletes and a couple of D2. Unless I’m missing something and Mayfield picked up some super stars or returns their entire team I don’t see why the outcome will be much different than last year….

If O’s line is as down as everybody thinks maybe this could end up being a long season for the Devils. I guess we’ll know by tomorrow.

It will be a test for us up front.

I’ve been told much bigger up front this year. D line is also restocking but has Pullom and Payton back. IMO this year will be tougher losing Hampton. Tons of skill guys but I believe at RB will be key. Green doesn’t gave breakaway speed but Kindle and Walker do, so they must figure prominently into the mix. G’way junior should destroy most of what’s in his path if the line gives him a little time withShemwell, Dillard, Bryant, Waddy, Fountain, the new kid from Evansville at WR. So much speed on both sides of ball.

Red Helmet Sports is live but you can't embed their video like most of last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0CpTJNwkdU

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According to the Red Helmet Boyz the Cardinals do not have a first down yet in the scrimmage.

Mayfield has a lot of strong, athletic looking players.

Mayfield is driving and they are on the Oboro 20.

O has been without 3-4 starters on defense since the 1st 2 series on defense.