The No. 1 team in Class 3A football proved to be too tough for the Washington Demons to handle. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, Washington traveled to Pella to face the defending state champions and the preseason’s top team the Little Dutch. Pella scored the first 22 points of the game, and never looked back in a 42-24 triumph of the Demons.

Despite getting down three touchdowns early, Washington football coach Garrison Carter liked the way his team battled back in the football game, “You get down 22-0 at the number one team in the state early in the second quarter and it would have been really easy to fold and let the clock run.” Carter said, “Our kids battled back and I thought they fought all the way to the end, which is an attribute to them.”

Sophomore Ryan Reighard ran the ball effectively versus the Little Dutch, collecting 110 yards on 26 carries and scoring two touchdowns in his first varsity start at quarterback. He finished with 71 yards passing and throwing two interceptions.

Senior Ethan Hansen led the Demon defense with 13 total tackles, and three tackles for loss. Sophomore Tanner Murphy added 10 tackles for Washington’s defense.

Junior Kyle Anderson highlighted the Demons’ special team’s unit, going three for three on extra point attempts and kicked a 29 yard field goal in his first varsity start as kicker.

Washington falls to 0-1 on the season, and are set for their home opener next Friday versus the Marion Indians. Marion’s season opener against Mount Vernon was postponed to this afternoon due to inclement weather.