Hold the line: Mules offensive line ready for the playoffs

Their stats might not show up in the books, but this group of linemen makes a world of difference on the gridiron.

The Poplar Bluff Mules offensive line is locked in more than ever as they gear up for the postseason.

The Mules finished off their regular season with a 5-4 record and snatched the number seed in the Class 5 District 1 tournament. Offensively, they tallied 1,581 yards receiving and 993 rushing during the regular season.

The job of an offensive lineman may go unnoticed by most spectators, but no offense can thrive without a strong line of protection. The offensive lineman’s key assignment is to protect the quarterback and ensure the team’s ability to pass and run the ball successfully.

By finishing off the second half of the season 4-1, one would determine that the Mules’ offensive line did its job. With a brief stumble at the beginning of the season, the Mules regrouped with a big run at the end to save their season.

While the team struggled to find their rhythm, senior right guard Landon Park had his own battle with adversity to kick off his senior year.

“We had a rocky start as a team, but I had my own issues going on with dislocation on my shoulder in the first game,” Park said. “I recovered just in time and we quickly started to find our groove in the first couple of games. After we got our first win, we started playing a lot better and I would say as a lineman, we came together a lot this year as a team and just bonded as a family.”

Alongside Park is fellow senior and right tackle DJ Hubrins. Park said this is the first year of having Hubrins by his side, and he’s been enjoying every minute.

“Having a player like DJ who matches your energy on the field is just fun,” Park said. “We’ve been doing our jobs really well on the right side. Our connection on the field and in practice has been awesome. We’re all about being active when it comes to protecting our players. I believe we have a really good shot of going farther than the season before, and this alignment is where it starts.”

Hubrins agreed that the O-line has locked in for the playoffs with the mission of capturing a district title. He said the key to staying focused is practicing hard, being disciplined and listening to the coaches so that when the game starts, they are ready to go.

As a former coach who spent most of his days grooming offensive linemen, coach Dave Sievers has spent most of the season ensuring that the O-line is strong.

Poplar Bluff seniors Landon Park (left) and DJ Hubrins are gearing up for the playoffs by testing each other�s strength on the line during practice this week.DAR/D�Courtland Christian

“I’m an old-fashioned coach that likes to run the ball, so being aggressive upfront is our nature,” Sievers said. “We’re far from perfect, but they’ve worked hard all season, and they just flow well together. We’ve had some kids really step up this year, and for the most part, the line has done a good job with protection."

Overall, Sievers said there hasn’t been much change with the O-Line because the athleticism of players is still intact. He said having three payers carried over from last season has helped them become a cohesive unit, and he hopes they can continue to stand strong in the postseason, similar to how they’ve done all season.

“They don’t get a whole lot of glory on the field useless something goes wrong,” Sievers said. “We haven’t been perfect by any means this year, but the line has helped our offense flourish. It’s been the same five guys all year that have stood tall for us, and it’s been going great. Obviously, football is the ultimate team sport, but out of all the groups on the field, the O-line has to be on the same page.”

The Mules O-Line will put their strength to the test as they await the winner of the first round of the district tournament. They will be back in action next Friday to host Webster Groves/Farmington.