Bloodhounds sniffing 3-0 start

WASHINGTON - High school football games have more importance when district play starts Friday, although not like previous years when district champs were playoff bound. This year, it's every team to the postseason.

The Washington team has to be concerned with the emotional toll from a stunning victory over Class 4A powerhouse Bettendorf and a long-awaited triumph over nemesis Solon. The letdown can cause a trap game, which Fort Madison hopes will cause an upset when it visits Friday.

Washington has designated the game as Heroes Night, honoring numerous organizations like the police and fire departments as well as the military. It is also the game for Senior Band Recognition.

Fort Madison brings an unbeaten record to Case Field with a 28-12 win over Centerville and a 23-8 win on West Burlington/Notre Dame. The Bloodhounds do not have a win over the Demons in the last eight contests. The closest of those games was 54-35 Oct. 2, 2015. The largest margin was 81-0 Oct. 21, 2016.

FM has scored 51 points this season and allowed 20 while Washington is at 52 and 28. The teams' stats are similar with rushing yards at 212 for FM and 208 for WHS and carries at 59 for FM and 57. Passing yards are 303 on 25-for-42 for FM and 227 on 14-of-28 for WHS. Turnovers are a difference as the Hounds Will Larson has thrown three interceptions to none for the Demons. Indicative of the Bloodhounds offense, the leading receiver has more yards (Tate Johnson's six catches for 112) than the leading rusher (Keaton Poe 12 carries for 91).

'Fort Madison has an aggressive style of football,” Washington head coach James Harris said.

FM has scored all of its points in the first three quarters while the Demons have 19 of 52 total in the fourth quarter.

Washington's defense has been stout behind Trashaun Willis (11 tackles), Zayne Laws (10.5 tackles, 5 tackles for loss), Wyatt Stout (9.5, 2 TFL), Robert Bennett (8,1), Wilx Witthoft (6,3), Ethan Zieglowsky (8,2), Reece Mayer (4.5,2), Javaughn Stuart (7.5), Spencer Sotelo (7.5) and others.

The Demon defense has 17 tackles for loss while the Bloodhounds have five. Fort Madison has been the recipient of 10 turnovers, snagging seven interceptions (two for TDs) and three fumbles. Washington grabbed three interceptions, all in the Bettendorf win.

Game time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Face coverings are recommended for adult spectators and required for students in the student section. If one does not want to wear a mask or cannot make the game Fort Madison, which limited spectators to its home opener by giving two vouchers to each football player, cheerleader and marching bandmember to then distribute to their respective guests, has a link which will broadcast the game. It is https://youtu.be/JeVDKZrNjXI