Mayfield certainly meets any standard of "tradition" in football programs ... the Cardinals have been a powerhouse as long as I can remember.

 

What's interesting, though, is that (unlike most of the other traditionally strong programs) they had never been to the state finals before 1976. Since then, they've had an incredible run ... seven state titles, 14 appearances in the title game and 26 trips to the semifinals in 31 years.

 

Was that tradition in place before then? I really don't know ... that's before my time.

 

I do know this ... Mayfield had to be one of the smallest programs in 2A before the state went to four classes in 1975. Before then, the Cardinals were in the same district as Paducah Tilghman, Hopkinsville and Christian County, among others. That would explain their prolonged absence from the finals.

Was that tradition in place before then? I really don't know ... that's before my time.

 

I do know this ... Mayfield had to be one of the smallest programs in 2A before the state went to four classes in 1975. Before then, the Cardinals were in the same district as Paducah Tilghman, Hopkinsville and Christian County, among others. That would explain their prolonged absence from the finals.

 

Yes it was in place as is evident in the programs # of wins which is the third most in the state. prior to 76 the Cards did fail to reach the big one but won the WKC often and were considered a power and enjoyed a number #1 ranking a couple of times but allways managed to get beat along the way (so I have been told but you know how that goes some of the old timers memories may have got the best of them). From observation of their record vs other traditional WKY powers they have a winning record against the likes of Hoptown, Christian Co, Henderson, Bowling Green, Madisonville and Owensboro to name a few only PT is up on them that I know of. I bet purple Haze could shed some light on the Cards back then. Maybe he will read this and tell us what he knows. Maybe they have been lucky since 76 and were unlucky prior too. Of course there is no way they could have been as dominate back then with the teams that were in their district.

Was that tradition in place before then? I really don't know ... that's before my time.

 

I do know this ... Mayfield had to be one of the smallest programs in 2A before the state went to four classes in 1975. Before then, the Cardinals were in the same district as Paducah Tilghman, Hopkinsville and Christian County, among others. That would explain their prolonged absence from the finals.

 

Yes it was in place as is evident in the programs # of wins which is the third most in the state. prior to 76 the Cards did fail to reach the big one but won the WKC often and were considered a power and enjoyed a number #1 ranking a couple of times but allways managed to get beat along the way (so I have been told but you know how that goes some of the old timers memories may have got the best of them). From observation of their record vs other traditional WKY powers they have a winning record against the likes of Hoptown, Christian Co, Henderson (a fairly new school), Bowling Green, Madisonville and Owensboro to name a few only PT is up on them that I know of. I bet purple Haze could shed some light on the Cards back then. Maybe he will read this and tell us what he knows. Maybe they have been lucky since 76 and were unlucky prior too. Of course there is no way they could have been as dominate back then with the teams that were in their district. Being in 1 & 2A has certainly helped them move up the wins column since 76 where it has been a much tougher road for the likes of PT (who is not to far behind the Cards in all time wins) and other bigger schools

Thanks for the great responses, folks. They've been very helpful. Keep 'em coming!

I think Belfry's success can be attributed to Coach Haywood and his staff. I can't be sure, but I would bet not many teams have Frosh and JV teams who do mediocre and yet by the time they line up on Friday nights, they beat the teams that were beating them in earlier years. Haywood and Co. have a freaky way of turning backup So. and Jr.'s into SOLID players come senior year. This is especially true with O-lineman, which is of utmost importance to a wishbone team.

I Would be a fool if I didn't at least acknowledge the tranfer role as well. Several of Belfry's best players have come from other places. NO foul play, just a tradition and respect for Coach Haywood that draws kids to the little town. People tend to cry about it, but life usually deals those who cry a bad hand, while it rewards those who work HARD to overcome.

I know Belfry's success is alot Coach Haywood and his staff, but we also have alot of boys with alot of heart, who are willing to do what Coach tells them and who respect him and would move heaven and earth for him if they could. The Pirates also have a fan base bar none, this always motivates a team to do better.

At Dixie we have a The Football Moms, we participate in several different fund raisers each year to raise money for the team, for different things the coaches need (headsets, the Spritzmobile etc) and spirit wear for the team. We provide team meals every Thursday after practice. The boys get a "snack" every Tuesday after practice.

Most of the starting team is at every JV and freshman game on the sidelines. I am sure there are several more "traditions" I am leaving out, but this is what I have off the top of my head.