Poplar Bluff is hoping to double its win total and compete in the district after a tough 2017 season.
The Mules won four games last season against Union, Sikeston, Murphysboro (Ill.) and Parkview. They lost 14 of their final 15 games of the season to finish 4-17.
"Compared to last year, I think we have a good core of young players coming in, some returning players who are going to help us out. Practices have been really good this year. I've been pleased with our practices," said Poplar Bluff coach Rusty Crafton, highlighting returning players Nik Rowland, Wyatt Rowland, Xander Martin, Gage Rowland, Austin Tinsley, and Alex Ketcherside. "All those guys are going to be standouts for us and really help us out this year."
Crafton added that Kai Gilmore and Gage Rowland will move to defense after playing midfield and the wing, respectively, last year.
"Really our defensive end is where we needed more players to be plugged in to help us," Crafton said.
With lots of guys having experience at multiple positions, Crafton is happy with the Mules' versatility.
"I think it is great. We have so many players who can play and are willing to play different positions. I think a lot of our players could play anywhere on the field and that is what you want," Crafton said.
With four seniors on the team in Nik Rowland, Wyatt Rowland, Martin and Gilmore, the Mules will likely play a 4-4-2 formation with a holding midfielder.
That holding spot, a key position to protect the defense, will go to Tommy Holland, who was injured last year.
"He's doing good, he's grown a couple of inches so he has gotten bigger and gotten better," Crafton said. "He is physical, but he has the ball skills to pass out."
Nik Rowland will play up top and Crafton said he hopes the senior will trouble defenses with his 6-foot, 4-inch frame.
"We are going to rely on our seniors heavily this year, especially with Nik Rowland up top," Crafton said. "Hopefully he can scare defenses and break them down and score."
One of the first guys off the bench will be freshman Zak Lipsey, who will play both in the midfield and at forward.
"Zak Lipsey is another one who is really going to step up. He's not going to necessarily start but he could start eventually. He is in that 12th, 13th man coming off the bench and being a presence on the field," Crafton said.
Crafton added that the Mules need to get better at playing wide and stretching the field. Nik Rowland's height makes him a good target for crosses and set pieces, but that element of the game is currently a weakness for the Mules, who prefer to play through the middle.