By MORGAN BELLMER
Sports Reporter

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — The Mules are going to the playoffs.

After crushing Lindenwood University 35-7 Saturday, Nov. 12, the Mules (9-2) have earned their spot in the NCAA-II playoffs for the first time since 2010.

“The fact that this is the first time being in the playoffs since 2010 and only the third time in school history, I’d say it’s definitely something that’s exciting for all of us,” said senior wide receiver Tyler Jones. “I can honestly say it’s been long overdue and I’m glad we finally did what we had to do to make it this far.”

The Mules are scheduled to play No. 3 Harding University Saturday, Nov. 19, in Searcy, Arkansas. Harding went undefeated in the regular season, scoring on the backs of the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense.

Senior running back Gabe Vandiver said he thinks the Mules just need to keep playing their style of football.

“What we need to concentrate on the most would have to be our run defense,” Vandiver said. “Just because the fact that the team we’re playing is number one in the nation in rushing offense. So that’s definitely something we need to focus on. We just need to play like we’ve been playing for the last games and we’ll be alright.”

Senior quarter back Garrett Fugate said Central is currently clicking on all cylinders.

“The defense is playing well, special teams we’ve had some good plays and offensively we’re kind of hitting our stride at the right time. So we’re peaking at the right time,” Fugate said. “We’re pretty explosive. We can make plays at any time, and (our) defense is doing a really great job at taking the ball away.”

Fugate was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season after the Lindenwood game.

Fugate said it’s a good achievement given the talent the league has to offer, but it wasn’t earned on his own.

“It’s just a testament to our whole offense,” Fugate said. “I threw the ball 50 times and to do that our O-line’s got to protect really well. Receivers have to make plays, which they did. Running backs blocked and ran the ball well. It’s a great award. It’s an individual award but, really, it’s an offense award which is awesome.”

A lot of Central’s football players have been playing together for years on the field, which has helped the teams chemistry. Fugate said head coach Jim Svoboda has done a great job of bringing in freshmen classes and then keeping them together.

“This is my fifth year with some of these core group of players so that makes a huge difference just with team chemistry and bonding,” he said. “That brotherhood aspect of it, it’s really cool and fun. It makes it a lot more fun with your best friends out there and I think that’s a really big factor in our success.”

Vandiver said the Mules are excited to head down to Arkansas and give Harding a run for their money.

“This is the first game like this in a while for UCM, so I’m nervous and excited,” Vandiver said. “I’m more excited than nervous. I’m just ready to get out there, go down to Arkansas and play ball.”

Kickoff for the Harding game is set for 1 p.m. at First Security Stadium. A student fan bus will be available for students who want to attend the game.