Close-to-vest Stars, No.6 Artesians to show all the cards during season opener

By Justin Sokeland

WBIW.com

BEDFORD – After weeks of playing everything close to the vest, wary of exposing anything to prying eyes and giving away hidden strength, Brayden Tidd will finally show his cards when Bedford North Lawrence’s first-year head coach unveils his new-look program.

His dealt hand has potential, but there’s no bluffing the opening opponent.

Tidd and the Stars will make their 2025 debut, seeking to end multiple dismal streaks with one all-in shove when they tackle Martinsville on Friday night. That’s like facing a pair of aces before the flop in Texas Hold’em. That’s strong, but they can be cracked. The Artesians, ranked No.6 in Class 4A in the preseason poll, could be the toughest test on the schedule. It’s time to read ‘em and not weep.

Martinsville, coming off a