Mental mistakes played a role as the No. 9 Washington Demon football team lost their homecoming game last night. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, the Demons welcomed the Keokuk Chiefs to town for a district matchup. Keokuk capitalized on Washington’s three turnovers and 110 penalty yards, scoring 16 unanswered points to help the Chiefs spoil the Demons’ homecoming with a 16-12 victory.

Washington opened the scoring with 3:15 remaining in the first quarter as quarterback Ryan Reighard found the endzone on a one-yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked to make the score 6-0. The Demons added to their lead with 6:17 remaining in the second quarter on a 12-yard run by Reighard. The scoreboard read 12-0 Washington after another missed extra point.

Keokuk started to mount their comeback with 1:17 remaining in the first half as Austin West converted a 30-yard field goal to cut the halftime defect to 12-3. Keokuk found the endzone for the first time late in the third quarter. Quarterback Damon Wolter connected with Gavin Thompson on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 1:39 remaining in the frame, bringing the score to 12-10. The Chiefs capped off the scoring seconds into the final quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Wolter to Thompson. The Chiefs were unsuccessful in the two point conversion attempt, giving Keokuk a 16-12 lead with 11:53 left in the game. Keokuk held Washington off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, leaving town with a 16-12 victory.

The loss is second straight at home for Washington, who drops to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in district play. Washington resumes their season next Friday, hosting the West Burlington Falcons (4-2 overall).