After a 3-7 season in 2025 and an 0-4 finish in region play, Head Coach Mike Reid believes his Landrum Cardinals are headed in the right direction. While last year’s record wasn’t what the program wanted, Reid says the attitude and work ethic this offseason have given the team plenty of reason for optimism.
The biggest emphasis since the end of last season has been learning how to finish.
“The biggest thing we have pushed this offseason and summer is to finish, to dominate four quarters, and to be a team and lean on each other,” Reid said.
Landrum has some key pieces to replace, including quarterback Ty Foster, running back and linebacker AJ Lindsey, offensive lineman Korbin Mehaffey, and wide receiver/defensive back Braylon Revis. Those seniors played major roles over the past few seasons, but Reid likes the group stepping in to fill those spots.
The Cardinals return several experienced players who will be counted on to lead both on and off the field. Junior Ian Patterson is back after seeing time at quarterback and outside linebacker, while seniors Vuthy Som and JT Gist bring experience and leadership in the trenches. Sophomore JP Branyon is expected to take on a bigger role after an impressive freshman season, and junior Trey Nesbitt returns as another versatile playmaker at wide receiver and defensive back.
Reid says leadership has been one of the biggest positives throughout the summer. Patterson, Gist and Branyon have all stepped up and helped set the tone for a team looking to take the next step.
“We are excited about this group of guys that we have,” Reid said. “They have had a great summer. This has been one of the better summers we have had as a team. This has been a great group to be around, and we are excited for this year.”
The Cardinals will once again face a challenging schedule, opening the season at home against Walhalla before road trips to Ninety Six and Polk County. Region play begins in October with games against Woodruff, Mid-Carolina, Southside Christian, Clinton and Chesnee.
If Landrum can build on the momentum it created this summer and play the full four quarters Reid has preached, the Cardinals believe they’ll be in position to improve on last year’s record and compete for a postseason spot.
2026 Schedule
- Aug. 21 – Walhalla
- Aug. 28 – at Ninety Six
- Sept. 4 – at Polk County (N.C.)
- Sept. 18 – Ware Shoals
- Sept. 25 – Blacksburg
- Oct. 2 – at Woodruff*
- Oct. 9 – MVP*
- Oct. 16 – at Southside Christian*
- Oct. 23 – at Clinton*
- Oct. 30 –Chesnee*
*Region Game
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