Cardinal defense impresses, offense not so much

NEW SHARON — Resurrecting a football contest that was erased by COVID-19’s elimination of non-district games, the Cardinal Comets scrimmaged at North Mahaska Friday.

War Hawks coach Phil Griffin and Cardinal coach Landon Miller agreed on a format that worked. The two teams had played six consecutive seasons, going 3-3, until COVID-19 took away last year’s game.

The defense of the Comets impressed Miller, who knows his spread offense will take more time to click. The teams played two quarters like a regulation game. Cardinal gave up one first down.

Miller mentioned Ian Liles, Isaac Cox and Logan Walters for their defense.

“We have a nice mix of skill group guys and linemen that have size,” said Miller, who starts his fifth year. “It’s probably the best collection of guys since I have been here.”

The offensive line has three sophomores that started as freshmen. Junior Braxton Guiter has bulked up for the season. Wideout Griffin Greiner is a “super athlete.”

The coach added: “Some of the sophomores and juniors have a way to go to learn their positions.”

Miller was not happy with the offense, but that’s to be expected at this point of the season.

Cardinal hosts Pekin to open the season Friday. The two teams had a regular season game canceled last year but met in the postseason. The Comets defeated Pekin for the first time in recent memory, 38-29. Pekin had a 3-4 record last season and has a new coach this season in Klynt Weber, former assistant at Sigourney-Keota.

Cardinal finished 5-4 after two seasons of 4-5 and a 2-6 in coach Miller’s first year.