After an incredible season last year, the Melissa Cardinals are looking to start their 2023-24 season strong-- this time in a brand new stadium! The Cardinals will host their season opener this week as they look to start what could be another deep playoff run. What can fans expect from Melissa this fall? VYPE DFW dives right in to the program:
REWIND
Facing tough non-district opponents, the Cardinals started their 2022-23 campaign with two losses to Argyle (37-18) and China Spring (42-41). With the ability to regroup and bounce back, the team defeated Royse City (48-24) before entering district play. Going 7-0 in district play and finishing at the top of their district standings with victories over the likes of Crandall (50-22), Terrell (56-21), Denison (54-44), Lucas Lovejoy (36-35), and more, the team eased their way into playoffs.
Once in playoffs, Melissa took down Hallsville (57-20), Ennis (42-38), and Terrell (42-21) before falling to eventual state champion South Oak Cliff (30-16).
LOOKING AHEAD
The team gears up to take on the new season in a brand-new stadium. With athletes like Landen Brandow, Lincoln Dunn, Nigel Smith, Nathan Adejo, Khristian Turner, Jackson Ford, Trever Ham, Gunnar Wilson, Jason Anunobi, and more, the team can be expected to post a strong start to their non-district schedule as they host Argyle on August 25th.
With the determination to make a convincing run toward state, fans can expect this experienced squad to cook with gas this fall. Facing tough non-district opponents will prove to prepare the team for their district schedule against Crandall, Mesquite Poteet, Greenville, and more. With the fire to smoke through their schedule again, there's a good chance we will see another strong playoff push from the Cardinals.