Mules-Hannibal game notes

The Mules host Hannibal at 3 p.m. Saturday. Here are a few game notes:

FOR STARTERS Poplar Bluff's starting lineup has changed for the second straight week. The Mules will start Austin Williams at tight end and Kerey Smith at fullback on offense while on the offensive line David Gaebler will start at right guard for Dylan Janes and Zack Stricker will be at center for the second straight week. On defense, Dalton Bilderback and Michael Penney will start at linebacker.

WEATHER: The National Weather Service says, "Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph."

IF YOU GO: Be there early for a special tribute to veterans that will include the game ball being delivered by a Black Hawk helicopter between 2:30-3 p.m. The Sho Me Marching Band will perform at halftime. The PBHS Student Council asks fans to wear the color white to the game for "White-out Saturday." Admission is $3.

TAILGATE PARTY The Mules Booster Club will host a pre-game tailgating barbecue in the Junior High Cafeteria from noon to 2:30. Cost for a lunch is $5 a plate. Booster Club passes and apparel will also be on sale.

WHAT 2 WATCH 4 Keep an eye on Hannibal's Jordan Strickland on defense. The 6-foot, 255-pound junior will give Poplar Bluff's offensive line fits if the Mules don't get off the ball better than they have the last two weeks. The key, said Mules coach Shane Kearbey, is being more physical up front for Poplar Bluff's offense to get clicking.

DINNER WITH TEAM The Claudia Foundation will hold its third annual Gridiron Grill dinner honoring the 1990 Mules football team, former athletic director Bill Caputo and the current team. The event will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 and tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple. The proceeds from the dinner will go toward Claudia Foundation scholarships. Tickets can be purchased at the game Saturday.

JV The Mules junior varsity team opened with a 13-12 win Monday against visiting Caruthersville. The game Monday, Sept. 15 with Farmington will start at 6:45 p.m. instead of 6:00.

SERIES This is the second meeting between the two teams. The first meeting also was played on a Saturday and was Poplar Bluff's homecoming, a 16-7 Mules win. Rain the previous night and earlier in the day made Morrow Stadium a muddy mess and neither team scored in the first half. Jimmy Gladney scored two touchdowns and kicker Steve Nagy added a 26-yard field goal. The Mules finished 7-3 that season.