After securing their first win of the season, the Mules’ football team will set their sights on the Farmington Knights.

Poplar Bluff comes off an intense battle against Chaminade,, where they edged out a 14-12 victory—giving Jeff Mannon his first win as a head coach.

“I'm just proud of the kids for fighting,” Mannon said. “We've been talking about finishing and playing a full 48 minutes plus games when we have to, and the kids responded. A close win like that helps gel a team together and makes them trust one another. Now we have to keep the momentum rolling into our next game on Friday.”

Last Friday, quarterback Jay Edmundson threw 5/10 with 64 yards and led the Mules in rushing with 82 yards and one touchdown. Devin Ferguson had 50 yards of rushing with a touchdown, and Caden Jenkins rushed for 44 yards and captured 41 yards receiving. Defensively, JR Lathon had an interception and Bryce Dobbs had a sack.

Heading into practice for week three, Mannon said the message for their next game is to maintain a high level of energy and ensure that the team is well-prepared. With the Mules hosting homecoming, Mannon has shared with the team the importance of being ready once the ball is kicked off.

“We’ve been focused,” he said. “We’ve had to make a few adjustments to practice due to the track being redone, but it’s still business with us. The kids have responded well and have been working hard this week.”

This Friday’s contest between the Mules and Knights will be a rematch from last year’s Class 5 State Tournament, where Farmington won in the first round 28-21. The Mules have won seven of the fifteen meetings between the two teams since the series began in 2007.

Both teams will enter the contest coming off a win, and with the possibility of facing off in the postseason once again, getting the win will certainly add momentum.

“Coach (Erik) Kruppe does a great job over there,” Mannon said. “Farmington is fundamentally sound with everything they do. They run a good option attack, and they will make you pay for any mistakes made on either side of the ball. We've been telling the kids to focus on their responsibilities at a high level and leave any mistakes in the past. I trust that we will be ready mentally and hopefully, things take care of themselves.”

Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at Mules Stadium.