It’s all about opportunity.

When Landrum’s varsity football team visits Saluda in this evening’s opening round of state playoffs, the Cardinals will face one of the best teams they’ve seen.

That’s nothing new, as Landrum head coach Jason Farmer points out that the Cardinals defeated another top-ranked team, Blacksburg, this season.

With a day off last week, the Cardinals, like many other teams, have had an extra week of practice, an extra week to heal. They’ve made excellent use of their time.

“We’ve had a good week,” Farmer stated, and emphasized that he sees meeting Saluda as “an opportunity.”

“You can’t win a championship if you’re not qualified,” Farmer observed, adding, “We’re qualified. We’re going down there with a chance to beat a number one team.” The Cardinals, much better than their 4-6 record might indicate, are in the playoffs.

“I told the kids we already beat one number one team (Blacksburg).”

Tonight’s opening kickoff between the Cardinals and the 9-1 Tigers is set for 7:30.