PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GABBY PEREZ/FOR THE MULESHOE JOURNAL

A year ago, Muleshoe was on the losing end of a 28-7 blowout to their rival Littlefield in a game Muleshoe head coach Jason Richards said “they just outplayed us.” This year was not the case as they reversed the tide and put on a show in their home and season opener, routing the Wildcats 48-20.

“Our staff did a tremendous job. Our offensive staff had a great plan and we did really good up front pass protecting and giving our guys time,” Richards said. “It’s not an easy defense to block so I was really proud of our kids and staff on that.”

Richards was impressed with his team’s ability to perform under adversity. The Mules allowed a pick-six to open the game but, according to Richards, didn’t seem rattled in the slightest. They trailed 13-6 going into the second quarter but that’s where the offense started to get going, rattling off 42 unanswered points between the beginning of the second quarter to late in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Nathan Martens played a big role in the offense’s production, completing 15 of 25 passes for 360 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, accumulating 131 yards and a score on the ground. Senior running back Daniel Sianez was not far behind in the run-aspect, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns himself. Wideouts Yahir Quezada and Ramzee Martinez both reached the century mark receiving at 151 yards and 100 yards respectively.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of something like this as a head coach or coordinator where we had a 350-yard passer, two 100-yard rushers and two 100-yard receivers,” Richards said.  

Last Friday’s win played a big role in pushing the Mules’ confidence ahead as they continue to develop throughout the year. The win also gives the Mules bragging rights in the ‘War on 84’ rivalry.

“It’s a big rivalry, but there’s a lot of respect in the rivalry. These kids have grown up together so there’s respect in that aspect,” Richards said.

The Mules will look to make it two in a row on Friday as they host Lamesa who lost to Lake View the week prior.