The Poplar Bluff Mules had a hard time keeping the Valley View Blazers out of the endzone in the team’s season opener.

Hundreds of football fans packed the bleachers on Friday at Mules Stadium as the Mules attempted to kick off their season with a win. Though the Mules had a game plan to take down their opponent, they wouldn’t be ready for the intensity of the Blazers’ secondary defense.

With the Blazers’ defense clicking on all cylinders, the Mules would fall 42-7, resulting in their first loss of the season.

Following the game, head coach Jeff Mannon encouraged the team not to hang their heads over the first game and use the loss as an opportunity to get better for the next matchup.

“Hats off to Valley View, that’s a real solid football team,” Mannon said. “That’s the level I want this team at. Those guys have run that scheme for years, and they just know all the checks and balances for how to operate on the field.

“I told the kids at halftime that I wanted a zero-zero game the next half, but things didn't go our way. We have enough stuff on tape so that we can see what we need to work on. These kids are still learning how we need to play football and how to get excited. We got to let the little plays go. I don’t want us to dwell on it and just grow from it.”

Both teams stepped onto the field on equal ground, but things would soon change when the Blazers pushed the Mules to a fast three-and-out.

Early in, the Blazers' defense established themselves by stopping a punt attempt and setting themselves up perfectly near the goal line. Valley View’s Peyton Hicks would get the Blazers on the board first with a three-yard run into the endzone.

While holding a 7-0 lead for most of the first quarter, the Blazers marched down the Mules’ territory again with a two-yard touchdown from Carter Wallace, which would not be his last night.

Despite trailing 14-0 to close out the first period, the Mules caught a little life from quarterback Jay Edmundson, who wouldn’t be denied from getting the Mules their first touchdown of the night. After tossing a 45-yard bomb to receiver Dylan Hall, Edmundson forced himself into the endzone, trimming the advantage to 14-7 halfway through the second.

Though the Mules saw a little daylight, it would last much longer as the Blazers turned the intensity of their defense to the highest notch. Valley View’s cornerback RJ Estrich would capitalize on a 59-yard pick-six to end the second, followed by another to start the third by Jayde Taylor.

After securing another touchdown in the third, the Blazers had established enough cushion to coast to victory.

The Mules tallied 356 yards, 143 rushing and 213 passing. Despite the strong numbers, Edmundson had a tough time throwing the ball. He threw 20/36 on 213 yards with four interceptions. He thrived in rushing with 101 yards and two touchdowns. Hall led in receiving with 60 yards.

As the Mules look toward their next game against Chaminade College Prep, senior Connor Stevens said he is ready to get back to practice and is happy to have the first game out the way.

“My mindset is getting back to practice and getting better one step at a time,” Stevens said. “We got a lot of stuff to work on. A lot of guys did their part. I mean really did them, but

we got to come together as one. Defensively, I really wanted to step up more this year. I try to pick Coach Mannon’s brain all the time because I want to stay ahead. I just want to do my part as captain.”