Mule school football gets underway this Friday at Mossyrock

The Wahkiakum Mule football team will hit the road and head to Mossyrock this Friday to open the 2013 football season.

Mule head Coach Eric Hansen said this week that 27 players are turning out for the team this year. "I like them," Hansen said Monday.

With 12 seniors on the team, the Mules will have experienced players in most positions on offense and defense. "But after that, some juniors will have to step up," Hansen said.

The offensive backfield is the team's strong suit, Hansen said. Mason Mackey and Austin Good will line up as fullback and halfback, respectively. Sophomore Gunnar Blix will take over quarterback reins, and Nathan Cothren and Travis Wegdahl will play wingback, with Jesus Crawford stepping in at times. Wegdahl and Seth Doumit will play wideout.

The line is a work in progress and will have new people in new positions, Hansen said.

As usual, Hansen expects hard games in the Central League. Morton/White Pass returns 16 starters from a team that played for the state championship last fall. Napavine returns the entire offensive line.

"From there, it's a free for all," Hansen said. "You'd better bring your game every Friday night or you'll get knocked off."

(Editor's note: The Mules won't host Mossyrock's junior varsity on September 9. Instead they'll travel to Toutle Lake for a game.)