When Landrum’s football team visits Chesnee this Friday, Cardinal Coach Jason Farmer knows that his team will face a big challenge.

The Cardinals are 2-4, and 1-2 in regional play, while the Eagles are 5-1 overall, and 3-0 in the region.

“I told our kids, we have nothing to lose, and they (the Eagles) have everything to lose,” Farmer said.

Chesnee is ranked fifth in the state among AA teams, Farmer noted. “There’s a reason for that.”

“Our kids are playing harder, and getting better every Friday night. In order to beat better teams, we have to get better.”

Part of that, he said, is more weight training. Another factor, Farmer said, is depth.

In last Friday’s loss to Powdersville, the Patriots had enough depth to use all different players on each side of the ball, while the Cardinals, like most schools of its size, had to rely on many of the same players on offense and defense. That wears players out faster.

Farmer said he is already having success at building his roster, for next season, but right now, it’s one game at a time. The Cardinals’ tough schedule will build a stronger team, but box score improvement probably won’t be immediate.

“We’re going to figure out how to do it,” Farmer vowed.

Last week, against Powdersville, Skyler Powell ran for a Landrum touchdown, and teammate John Martinez booted a field goal. Powdersville led 28-9 at the half, but scored only six points from there.

Farmer commended his defense’s performance in the second half.

This Friday evening at Chesnee, opening kickoff is set for 7:30.

By Mark Schmerling