Final tuneup before the season

Fans were able to get an early look at what the new football season may hold for the Washington Demons on Friday evening.

The Demons traveled to face Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in a scrimmage, and according to second-year head coach Garrison Carter, there were a lot of positives that came out of the exhibition.

When the season officially opens at Pella on Friday, a new Demon will be under center for the first time in four seasons, with sophomore Ryan Reighard currently penciled to take the snaps.

In his first live action, Carter was optimistic about the young signal caller.

?I think Ryan opened some eyes, especially with his ability to run the football,? Carter said. ?He did some nice things in his first game reps against another team. There?s a few things to clean up, but for the most part, we were pleased.?

Overall, Carter said he was impressed with what the team brought to the table on Friday night.

?I thought there were bright spots everywhere,? Carter said. ?Defensively we were aggressive, flowing to the ball and making plays. I thought our sophomores all did some really nice things, and the offensive line opened up some

huge holes.?

With the Demons featuring a much younger squad this year, Carter said the intensity the team came out with in the exhibition was encouraging, and it all started with the senior

class.

?I think it?s a tough situation, because you aren?t keeping score and nothing is on the line,? Carter said. ?You can come out and go through the motions, but I thought our kids did a good job of coming out and

competing.?

With the preseason officially over, and the Week 1 practices beginning, the focus moves entirely to a challenging season-opening opponent: Defending state champion Pella.

Widely regarded as the No. 1 team in Class 3A entering the season, the Dutch handed the Demons two losses last season, including a season-ending loss in the state quarterfinals, and the Demons know they?ll have their hands full.

?We get the opportunity to play the No. 1 team in the state,? Carter said. ?All the polls are out and Pella is No. 1 in all of them. There is no better talent, and our kids are locked in and ready to go on Friday.?

The Demons will open up the year on Friday, and check out a full season preview for Washington football in Thursday?s edition of The Journal.