The Washington Demon football team’s road to the UNI Dome has started to take a familiar path. During the 2013 quarterfinal round, the Demons traveled to Pella in hopes of avenging their only loss of the season, a 14-7 setback in Week 2 at Case Field. Not only did Washington get even with Pella, the Demons shut out the Little Dutch in their only loss of the season (28-0).
Fast forward to today, where the 8-3 Washington Demons are set to make a trip to Pella for another quarterfinal clash with the undefeated Little Dutch. Once again, Washington will look to avenge an early season loss to Pella. Head football coach Garrison Carter says the team is welcoming the opportunity to right an early season wrong.
“You don’t get a lot of second chances in life, so we are pretty excited about the opportunity.” Carter said, “It’s not a secret, if we could’ve played anyone (Pella’s) the team we wanted. We aren’t afraid to go play them and it should be a fun night.”
The last time these two teams met was Week 1 of the regular season, Carter’s debut as the Demons’ head football coach. The Little Dutch came to Case Field and left with a 35-0 victory over the Demons. Carter says despite was the scoreboard said, it wasn’t a five touchdown game.
“We outgained them yardage wise.” Carter said, “We dropped a couple passes in the endzone, fumbled the ball on our opening drive and let them score right away in great field position. We weren’t a team that could beat Pella at that point. Those things are bouncing our way now and we are locked in and ready to go.”
Senior Daryn Sebelius led the Demons offensively in the first matchup with Pella. Sebelius threw for 196 yards, and rushed for an additional 149 yards in the setback.
Pella Little Dutch head coach Jay McKinstrey agrees the game was much closer than the score indicated, and says the difference was in the red zone. “They were moving the ball all over the place.” McKinstrey said, “They just had trouble finishing and our guys stepped up and played a little better defense inside the 20.”
Walking off Case Field in August, McKinstrey knew the Demons still had the potential to play for a state title. “We started the season with Washington and DCG (Dallas Center Grimes), and I said both of those teams are Dome capable teams.” McKinstrey said, “Look who is left, Washington and DCG are one of eight teams fighting for a Dome berth. We knew they were an outstanding football team.”
A trip to Cedar Falls will be earned this evening in Pella, as the Demons face off against the undefeated Little Dutch. Coverage begins with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on AM and FM KCII and KCIIradio.com.
Recent History Between Schools: 11th meeting since 2004; Pella leads the series 7-3
2014: Pella won 35-0 @ Case Field on August 29
2013: Washington won 28-0 @ Pella on November 8th (Quarterfinals)
2013: Pella won 14-7 @ Case Field on September 6
2012: Pella won 16-10 @ Pella on August 31
2009: Pella won 47-8 @ Case Field on August 28
2008: Pella won 21-18 @ Pella on August 29
2007: Washington won 26-20 @ Case Field on August 31
2006: Washington won 27-7 @ Pella on September 1
2005: Pella won 34-20 @ Case Field on September 2
2004: Pella won 36-22 @ Pella on September 3