A belated beginning is better than not playing at all, and most importantly the Horsemen proved that they wanted to be there.

Coach Mike Tatum and his Plains Horsemen opened 8-Man football play for the 2025 season at Mission Friday, falling 54-12 to the homestanding Bulldogs. Tatum was encouraged by what he saw from his undermanned Horsemen in their first action of the season.

“We saw what we were made of,” he said, “and that is heart. Mission is a talented team, with a lot of depth on their sidelines, so we knew we were going to have a huge test. In some ways we passed, just not on the scoreboard in the end.”

Tatum said the Horsemen played well through the first quarter and had a chance at tying things up early, but a long touchdown pass catch by Cody West was called back on a penalty.

West and quarterback Greg Tatum eventually did score Plains’ two touchdowns in the game, West on a tipped pass play and Tatum on a quarterback scramble. The Horsemen’s conversion attempts after those TDs both failed.

Coach Tatum found a silver lining in the Horsemen’s first game efforts.

“On a really bright note, our two young players, Gary Rehbein (a freshman) and Grayson Ridders (a sophomore) played valiantly for their first high school game,” he said. “Grayson really shined on defense, coming up with a sack and interception. Atlas Owens also had a heck of a game. His contributions won't show up on a stats sheet, but he ground it out all game as an offensive lineman and especially as a defensive lineman taking on double and even triple teams.”

Versatile Kyle Bostick also earned praise. “He played offensive line, where he got a couple of pancake blocks, defensive line and then moved to linebacker,” Tatum said. “His hard work in the offseason changed him dramatically physically and mentally. We could honestly play him in most other places if needed.”

Tatum was also impressed with assistant coach Lyle Fisher. “Coach Fisher was calling his first game as an offensive coordinator, and really had the guys prepared,” Tatum said, “and the play calls were effective.”

Overall, Tatum was positive in his assessment of the current state of Horsemen football. “All in all, we couldn't have asked anything more from our kids,” he said. “They played with grit and toughness until the clock ran out. Now we move forward and prepare for St Regis, who will be another tough opponent.”

The Horsemen open their home schedule hosting St. Regis Friday in Plains. The Tigers defeated Troy 56-14 in Troy last week.