The Fairfield Mules started the season on the short end of a 28-20 scoreboard against Freeburg at The Train Yard Friday.
Freeburg scored with 7:22 in the first quarter and 13 seconds later, Jay Snyder ran from 55 yards out to make it 7-6. Fairfield converted the 2-point conversion to take their only lead of the game at 8-7. Freeburg added and at half, the game was tied at 14.
Freeburg on their first possession of the 2nd half took the lead for good. Fairfield got to within 1 at 21-20 and with 5:30 remaining in the 4th, Freeburg added another touchdown to make the score 28-20. The Mules had great field position but failed to convert a 4th down. Fairfield had Freeburg at 4th and 1 and the Midgets got the Mules to jump offside, giving Freeburg a first down to put the game to rest.
The Mules will face Eldorado next Friday in Eldorado. The Eagles are 1-0 after a 12-7 win over Edwards County. The Lions led the game 7-6 at halftime and gained the lead late in the 3rd quarter.
Other area scores from Friday, Carmi-White County downed Flora 52-16. Johnston City downed Christopher-Ziegler-Royalton 32-12. Sesser-Valier-Waltonville downed Hamilton County 34-16. Carterville downed Benton 27-12. Gibson Southern held off Mount Carmel 21-14.