DC’s Three Takeaways after Mules fall to Farmington

The Class 5 District 1 tournament has reached the critical stretch run, and this past Friday, I saw an action-packed semifinal round between the Poplar Bluff Mules and the Farmington Knights.

Though the Mules had a promising postseason after turning their season around, their unfortunate playoff run would be cut short as they fell to the Knights 28-21. The Mules had tremendous growth throughout the season, and I prepared to follow them to the district championship, but the Knights came out strong and didn’t look back.

Heading into this contest, I knew it would be a 50/50 matchup, with both teams playing a similar style. Despite the Mules being 0-2 off a bye week and 1-6 in the past few seasons in the semis, I still gave the Mules the edge because of their first-round bye and winning the last matchup over the Knights 28-14, but they wouldn’t be so lucky this time around.

Both teams stepped onto the field with great energy, and the fans were heavily infested during every snap. The Mules had a well-balanced first half, but a few early mistakes cost them dearly in the end.

Early Mistakes

The first quarter of the game stayed close as both teams battled to gain the upper hand. Both teams had their defenses tested early, attempting to keep their opponents from crossing the goal line. Unfortunately for the Mules, a blocked punt inside the Knight’s endzone would put them out front first.

This one play would trigger a series of mistakes from the Mules throughout the game, such as dropped passes and multiple fumbles. The Mules needed a near-perfect second half to advance to the district championship, and with limited turnovers, we possibly could have seen a different outcome. When facing a team multiple times, it’s critical to be as sharp as possible because they’ve seen what you can do, and one mistake could end it all.

A staggered offense

Despite the loss, the Mules’ offense rolled per usual. They led with 335 yards on 260 passing yards but had very little luck running the ball, with 75 rushing yards. The Mules struggled early in the season with finding their flow offensively, but once they found a balance of running and passing, they became unstoppable for the second half of the season.

Farmington, on the other hand, used that same scheme of having a mixed offense to perfection. I believe what hurt the Mules was not being as consistent when the game mattered the most.

Regardless of the outcome, the fans got another great showing from the Mules junior quarterback Jay Edmundson and senior receiver Romeoh Wontor.

Edmundson threw 19/35 on 260 with two passing touchdowns while leading the Mules in rushing with 50 yards and one touchdown. Romeoh Wontor led in receiving with 117 yards on six catches and one touchdown.

The connection between Edmundson and Wontor has been pure magic for most of the season, and this game was no different. I hate that we won’t see this connection next season, but the upside for Edmundson is through the roof. He has quick feet, solid awareness, and the grit to make things happen.

Out of time

The Mules found themselves in a similar position from earlier in the season by trailing Farmington 14-7 at the half. Of course, I expected Poplar Bluff to go on a run, and they did. Despite being down 28-14 late in the fourth, the Mules continued to fight down the field, giving them multiple opportunities to take the game back.

Unfortunately, time wouldn’t be on their side in the last few minutes as Farmington played the clock game. If Edmundson had connected with Dylan Hall for the final touchdown a little earlier in the fourth, chances are the Mules could've executed another run into the endzone.

This was my first season covering the Mules football team, and it is one I will never forget. Overall, the Mules had a great season will a lot more ups than downs, and I look forward to being back on the sidelines again next season.