But the team has been waiting for this week since late in summer camp. It will be a “Homecoming” of sorts for several players that would have been starting this season but had to sit out because of ineligibility. Those players will give the Cardinals a talent upgrade on both sides of the ball and some much-needed depth.

Senior Andrew Clements will make his much anticipated debut, as he was slated to start at cornerback, wide receiver, punt and kick returner and punter. Senior Collin Reynolds — arguably the district’s top wide receiver, as well as a starting safety on defense — will return to the lineup this week after being out last week with mono. Having Clements and Reynolds on the field should help out the passing game and sophomore quarterback Tyler Wood, and in doing so, could help the running game. They’ll also help upgrade Newton’s defensive secondary, which has surrendered big passing plays in each game this season.

Newton trailed Boone just 7-6 at halftime last Friday, but once the Toreadors got a touchdown lead early in the second half, the Cardinals just didn’t have the personnel or experience on offense to stay competitive.