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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Demons need a win
Washington travels to Keokuk with playoff hopes still alive
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
KEOKUK - Everything is still out in front of the Washington football team, just as long as they can get the performance, and the help they need, to get into the Class 3A playoffs.
The Demons head south to Keokuk on Friday night in a must-win environment. A victory, and some help in Fairfield could push Washington into the postseason.
The Demons come into the game 4-4 overall, having won all four home games, and 2-2 in district play. Keokuk is 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the district, mathematically eliminated from a playoff berth.
The Demons have dominated the series as of late, winning eight of the last nine games against Keokuk, but the last time Washington was in Calvert Stadium, things played out much differently.
This is the first Washington game in Keokuk since a disastrous 47-0 road loss in 2023. The Demons did flip back the momentum with a blowout win of their own last fall, beating the Chiefs 35-0.
It will be one of the best quarterback battles in Southeast Iowa, as Washington senior Kael Williams (722 yards passing, 1,045 yards rushing, 20 total TDs) and Keokuk sophomore Jadyn Burton (1,907 yards, 23 passing touchdowns) go at it.
Washington will have to look out for star Keokuk receiver Kurt Joy. The sophomore pass catcher has grabbed 39 receptions for 624 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
The Demons on the other hand, have really spread it out in teh pass game. Liam Roberts leads the team with 265 yards and three touchdowns receiving, while Nic Stone’s team-high 25 catches have turned into 235 yards and a touchdown through the air.
The Demons have had trouble keeping their opponents off the scoreboard on the road this season, but Washington is coming off a stellar performance against Fort Madison in last week’s 42-15 home victory. It was the third time this year the team has held its opponent under 20 points.
The game will begin at 7:30 p.m., at Calvert Stadium in Keokuk. If Washington wins and Fairfield beats Mt. Pleasant, the Demons still have a shot to get into the playoffs via the three-way tiebreaker. It would need a big performance from Washington on the road, though, to make up the math.
