West lands starting QB spot for PB

The Poplar Bluff Mules football team lands their leading player for the quarterback position as they get prepared for the return of Friday night lights.

Senior Mason West will step in as QB1 for the Mules’ upcoming 2023-2024 football season.

West got his first shot as QB when the Mules suffered some early injuries last season, and head coach Dave Sievers decided to insert West into the position. Since handing over the new role to West, Sievers said he’s seen a lot of improvement and believes West is ready to lead the Mules.

“Mason had a really great summer,” Sievers said. “He’s played a lot of football now, so there’s no more room for rookie mistakes. He’s dealt with the pressures of the game and has a lot of experience now. It’s no more time to make excuses, it’s just time to go, and I know he’s ready.”

Though West was given one of the most challenging jobs in football, he feels more prepared than he did the first time around. He said with the games he started last season, it taught him the ins and outs of being the quarterback.

Mason West shares a laugh with fellow senior Logan Hite at the Mules football intrasquad scrimmage. West said the team is laser-focused this year and ready to start the season.DAR/D�Courtland Christian

With a full season ahead as QB, West prioritized working on his mechanics and any shortcomings he noticed from the previous season. His goal was to return laser-focused on being the best leader and winning.

“I’m feeling good heading into the season,” West said. “It took me a little bit to ease into it last year, but I feel more comfortable now. It feels a lot easier to lead the team, and I’m really looking forward to the season.”

Throughout the summer, West said he’s gotten better at reading the defenses and understanding the coverages. He’s also noticed his decision-making has gotten much quicker, making reads faster and getting the ball out faster.

One coach who had a front-row seat to all the progress with West is the assistant and quarterback coach John Pattillo.

“Mason has put in a lot of hours, so he looks real good and sharp,” Pattillo said. “He’s a very intelligent kid and has put on a little size from where he was last year, so we’re really excited. He started most of the year last season and grew with the role.

Pattillo said West did a good job of managing things last year and played his best football towards the end of the year. Now that West has a full year and has good experience coming back, Pattillo is excited about the Mules season.

West has been a fan of the game since his days of playing flag football. He doesn’t remember the exact moment when he fell in love with football, but watching his brother play motivated him to get into it.

Senior quarterback Mason West was locked in during the first official Poplar Bluff Mules football team practice. DAR/D�Courtland Christian

“I love everything about football,” West said. “I love the environment, and I like being around all my teammates and friends and building lifelong connections. I’m also very competitive, so I love that too. Football can offer many good life lessons I can carry throughout my life. It’s a really great sport.”

As West prepares for his final season, he encourages the community to come out and support the Mules football team, and hopefully, they can put on a good show for everyone.

“I’m looking forward to winning a lot of games,” West said. “There are some teams we lost to last season, and I’m looking to get those wins back this year. Hopefully, we can get that win back from Park Hills and make up for what happened last year. The team is focused, and so am I. I think we’re ready to play.”