8-25-10 —     The Wayne County Cardinals open the 2010 season on Friday night against Monroe County, at Darrell Carter Stadium.

    The contest marks the 12th meeting of the "Battle of the Birds" with the Falcons owning a 6-5 series advantage, including a 28-7 win at Jewell Field in 2009.

    Monroe County has posted back to back region titles, after a 19 year absence and John Petett's squad owns an impressive 22-6 record the past two years, including a 10-4 mark last season.

    "Monroe County is really playing with a lot of confidence and that happens with the postseason success they've had the last two years. They have over 70 guys on the roster again this year, so I'm sure it will be another tough battle to open the season, " said Cards head coach Shawn Thompson,

    The Falcons base their offense out of the Pro I formation and return several key players from a unit that netted just over 30 points per game in 2009.

    Junior quarterback Jackson Arnett returns as the signal- caller after a breakout year in 2009.



    "Last year they had one of the top receivers in the state in Neil Wilson, this  year they have another set of quality-skill kids led by their quarterback. Arnett really played extremely well against us last year and I know we have to be very aware of him at all times. He makes good reads, is a very good athlete, plus can throw the football very well," said Thompson.



    Arnett has a lot of help in the backfield aided by talented senior running back, Tanner Kendall. Kendall totaled over 1,000 yards in 2009, after posting 1,200 yards in 2008.

    "Tanner Kendall is one of the better backs we'll face all season. He's a good athletic runner that hits the hole hard, so defensively we'll have to do a good job of swarming the football and keeping our assignments," said Thompson.

    Monroe County also returns several key players back off a defense that allowed 16 points per game in 2009.

    "Coach Petett's teams are always very sound on both sides of the ball. Defensively they are very aggressive and just a typical Monroe County team, that loves to hit. This will certainly be a good test to open the season, we'll have to match their intensity from the get-go, " said Thompson

    The Falcons are coming off a 14-6 win in the preseason over Campbellsville and are ranked the #9 team in Class 2A in the Herald-Leader coaches poll.

    "One game away from the Class 2A state title game the past two years, they certainly have all kinds of momentum  and confidence. Monroe County has a great atmosphere for football, so we know we'll have to go over there and play sound, fundamental football," said Thompson.

    Wayne County, coming off a disappointing 4-7 season last year, showed some promise in a 26-14 loss at Southwestern, last week.

    The Cards have a new offensive backfield led by junior quarterback Shawn Dishman.

    "Their quarterback is a good hard-nosed runner and I was really impressed with him, " said Monroe County head coach John Petett.

    Wayne County was plagued by turnovers and their inability to finish off drives much of last season.

    "That's certainly something we have to be better at this year. We want to be physical, take care of the football and make sure we make the most of our scoring opportunities. We also hope to provide some big plays off of our special teams," said Thompson.

    Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. Friday night at Darrell Carter Stadium.

    "The season opener is always exciting and this has been a very good rivalry for both teams, so we hope a good crowd makes the trip over. I know it means a lot to our kids," said Thompson.



    Details on the match up in next week's edition of  The Outlook