Travelers Rest got a head start on the season, while most members of the S.C. High School League, including Landrum, sat idle.

The Cardinals open their 2010 season tonight at 7:30 against Travelers Rest at LHS Stadium.

Its an advantage in that theyre able to see what they do for four quarters, and theyre able to make adjustments, said LHS head coach Russell Mahaffey.

The Class 3A Devildogs (0-1) may have had more adjustments to make than they had hoped after a 42-7 loss to Christ Church last Friday night.

CCES torched the Travelers Rest secondary for six touchdown passes in the loss.

The CCES defense sacked sophomore quarterback Barron Morgan seven times, but Morgan still threw for 159 yards on 18 of 36 passing while at the helm of the Devildogs spread offense.

TR has some weapons, said Mahaffey. They definitely have some weapons.

While Travelers Rest head coach Rob Searfoss got a look at his team in action a week ago, the Cardinals were finishing up their preseason at the Blue Ridges Ridge Jamboree.

Mahaffey is returning a seasoned group, including 17 starters and 26 letter winners, from last years 5-6 team, which finished second in Region II-1A.

I feel pretty comfortable about where we are right now, Mahaffey said. Weve worked hard this good preseason with some good scrimmages and jamborees. Weve made some assessments and some changes, so I feel pretty comfortable about where we are.

Among those returning are defensive captain Antonio Barron, who anchors the defensive front and recorded 128 tackles last season for LHS, and wide receiver Tyler Logan who averaged more than 26 yards per catch last season.

But he also said he is glad the preseason is finally over and the 2010 campaign is set to begin.

We all are ready to play coaches and players, Mahaffey said. You put in all that time and hard work, and this is your reward for it.