Bluff-Festus preview

A preview of Wednesday's playoff between the Poplar Bluff Mules and Festus runs in the Tuesday edition of the DAR.

Here's a taste:

It may have been nine years since Poplar Bluff last played in the MSHSAA football playoff game, but it sure feels like it was just last week for the Mules.

"Last week pretty much was do or die, just like the playoffs are," Mules coach Shane Kearbey said. "I think that kind of got us in the mindset."

After beating West Plains to clinch a playoff spot Thursday, the Mules (7-3) travel to Festus (6-4) to play the District 2 champion at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the first round of the MSHSAA Class 4 playoffs.

This is the second straight year the Tigers have hosted a playoff game while for Poplar Bluff, it's the first postseason trip since 2000.

"You think about the last time we were in the playoffs, these guys are 8 or 9 years old," Kearbey said. "That's too long."

Poplar Bluff has been close before since then -- including eight-win teams in 2001 and '03 or the tight games at the end of '06 and '07 -- but these Mules gave themselves a second chance last week after Sikeston clinched the District 1 title. With a 36-8 win at West Plains, Poplar Bluff got a taste of playoff football.

Festus, meanwhile, has been here before having lost to West Plains in the opening round last season by a single point when the Zizzers scored with 13 seconds left to cap a 14-point rally.

After sweeping their district this fall, the Tigers look to get their first playoff win since 2000.

Festus is led by quarterback Shawn Crump, who has thrown for 1,144 yards and nine touchdowns while leading the Tigers in rushing with 897 yards and 13 scores.

"He's pretty good," Kearbey said. "He runs the ball real well and he's a pretty accurate passer. This is definitely a guy you have to focus on on defense to stop."

Here's another game guide to print off.

The field is located here, or at least near this address.

You can also check out Festus' season here.

Fans should note that all regional playoff games Wednesday cost $5 per person.

Sorry no update last night, work on the Raiders preview took longer than expected. You can read it in today's DAR before the trip to Festus.