Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
FAIRFIELD — For the second straight season, the Fairfield Mules were left scrambling for a week one opponent after Vienna/Goreville could not field a varsity team. Last year, the Mules ended playing Freeburg to open the season but could not find an opponent this year.
As a result, the Mules will get a forfeit week one and will not play their first game of the season until September 6 when they will host Eldorado.
Fairfield head coach Justin Townsend says the loss of week one is softened by the new week zero scrimmage, allowed by the IHSA for the first time this year. The Mules will host Richland County, then have two weeks to prepare for their season opener.
With all the work put in during the summer, Townsend said he will change his practice approach with an extra week to prepare.
