KQ2 Pigskin Preview: Lathrop Mules looking for consistency in 2026

LATHROP, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Lathrop Mules are coming off a 4-6 season where they came out winning their first four games of the season, but then ended up losing their last six games.

They are now in year one with Head Coach Andy McNeely. He is no stranger to the program, as he is in his 11th season with the team.

His main focus this offseason has been to figure out consistency.

"We've hit our peak the last three in mid to late August and early September," said McNeely. "We've got to be playing our best football later in the year."

McNeely and his players talked about changing their mindset before the season. He also loves the coaches he has on board and the standard they are setting for their players.

"You are never as good as you think you are and you are never as bad as you think you are," said McNeely. "We are really excited just about our leadership among our coaches that are teaching these young guys how to be good men and I think that's going to help a lot too."

There is leadership among this coaching staff, but also among the players. McNeely loves his senior group and their approach to this new way of doing things.

"They're really good kids," said McNeely. "They've really embraced the new culture that we have. We are trying to reset the culture with physicality and team. They have really bought into that."

This senior class has talked about how close they are as a group. Senior Jesse James says this is something that has been building for years.

"With my senior class, we have been together in all of our sports my whole life," said James. "Wrestling, football and baseball; we've all done it together."

Now these seniors are entering their final season together. Seniors Remi Wolfe and Trace Minnis are making sure their teammates are ready for the upcoming year.

"I'm just trying every day to talk everyone up and just get everyone moving together," said Wolfe. "If someone's slacking, we're talking. We're all working towards the same thing."

"We got to keep everybody in check, no matter who it is," said Minnis. "If somebody is slacking off, you got to call them out. We got to push everybody to be the best, because we're only as strong as our weakest link."

The Mules start their season on the road at Central (Kansas City) on Saturday, Aug. 29, and then will have their home opener on Friday, Sept. 4, against Northeast (Kansas City).