Solon: checkmark game for Demons

SOLON - There is always that one team that is a thorn in another's side. That one team where the records don't matter, it is a grudge match.

Solon has been that team for the Washington Demons in recent years and the records have always mattered because the two teams are usually at the top of the same district.

Last year, Solon won the district and finished second in Class 3A. The Demons were second in the district and led their game at halftime, 20-7, but lost 35-20. In 2018, Solon won the district and Washington was second after a 37-14 loss to Solon. Solon won the district in 2017 and the Demons were second, losing 40-0.

The last Demon win was 28-14 Sept. 25, 2015 when Ryan Reighard rushed 23 times for 231 yards and three touchdowns with a 13-for-17 passing night. Solon was not in the district that year, but defeated Washington in the playoffs 17-14.

This year, Solon is not in the Demons' district, it is not even in the same class, having dropped from 3A to 2A. They are the largest enrollment in Class 2A.

The Spartans have already lost a game, falling at home to Williamsburg. Friday, Washington will be at Spartan Stadium and the Demons have wanted this chance to defeat Solon for a long time. It will be even better if the Demons can give the Spartans two home losses to open the 2020 season.

'I'm tired of losing to Solon,” Washington linebacker and quarterback Trashaun Willis said. 'It's check-marked on my calendar. We have to ball out against them.”

Washington's defense was stellar in the 19-10 win against Bettendorf with three timely interceptions, but the offense gained a total of 99 yards. Willis was 6-of-14 passing and Wyatt Stout ran 17 times for 55 yards and a touchdown.

'Wyatt and I have to get on the same page, but we'll get it together because come Friday we will need it,” Willis said.

Solon's Blake Timmons was 2-for-8 for 60 yards and a TD against Williamsburg and Jackson Ryan ran 10 times for 106 yards and a score.

Solon will not have Kevin Miller at the helm because he resigned after last season. Under Miller's watch, Solon compiled a 190-32 record, winning four consecutive state championships (2007-09 in Class 2A, 2010 in 3A). Miller was a quarterback for Solon's state-championship team in 1988 under Ed Hansen. When Hansen retired, Miller succeeded him.

Lucas Stanton, a 2002 graduate of Mount Vernon, succeeded Miller, leaving as Anamosa head coach. Anamosa was 8-19 in Stanton's three seasons, 2-7 last year.

James Harris is in his third year as head coach of the Demons and got his biggest win last Friday against Bettendorf, but that means nothing now. The game that means the most to Harris is 'the next game. One game at a time, one play at time.”

The Bettendorf game was a chance to measure the Demons.

'You grow on the edge of our comfort zone and ... that's where (the Bettendorf game) put us. Iron sharpens iron.”

The Demons will need an ironman effort to defeat their nemesis Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m. and Solon is limiting attendance. Fans must have a voucher to attend. Admission is $5 plus admittance voucher.