Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Washington holds on in victory over rival Fairfield
Demon’s defense stands tall on final Trojan drive
WASHINGTON — The Washington and Fairfield football rivalry reignited on Friday night in what was yet another down to the wire finish.
The Demons got some payback on the Trojans this time around, taking the win 34-26, avenging a loss back in 2023.
The pair have played some close ones through the years, but Washington is currently 4-1 in the five last meetings.
On Friday, the two teams were neck and neck through the majority of the evening.
Washington held just a 7-6 lead late in the second quarter, but running back Kael Williams, who stepped in to play quarterback with Logan McDole absent, extended that advantage with a 57 yard touchdown run to make it 14-6 just before the half.
It was a massive night for Williams, who had not eclipsed 30 yards rushing in each of the Demon’s first two games.
He finished with 350 all purpose yards and four touchdowns against the Trojans. That included 234 yards on the ground and 116 through the air. He also came away with the biggest defensive play of the night.
Fairfield stayed right it in.
Out of the half, Fairfield answered. The Trojans put together a 12 play drive that ended with six after Voss Richardson found Spencer McCready in the back of the end zone.
The Trojans failed the two-point attempt to tie it and the Demons lead slimmed to 14-12.
Despite not being able to even the game, Fairfield kept that momentum on the defensive side of the ball.
The Trojans forced the Demons into a three and out on their next drive and Fairfield got a shot to take the lead.
Once again, the Trojans marched into Washington territory on a drive that spanned 10 plays.
However, inside the Washington 20 the Trojans fumbled the ball back to the Demons and they would deliver on the ensuing drive.
A 21 yard rush by Williams put the Demons in a great spot near midfield and two plays later, Williams connected with Mason Morgan for a 47 yard gain.
On the next play, Caden Greiner bounced outside past a slew of Trojans defenders to push the Washington led to 21-12.
Fairfield still wasn’t out of it as they showed poise despite the costly turnover.
A pair of big pass plays, which included a 29 yard reception from Ethan Bisgard and a 32 yard catch by Spencer McCready put the Trojans deep in Washington territory.
After a pair of runs culminating in 16 yards, Richardson hit Bisgard for the 18 yard touchdown to make it 21-19.
As quick as the Demons let the Trojans cut it to two, a Williams run extended the lead once again.
On the second play on Washington’s following drive, Williams darted outside down the Trojan sideline for a 47 yard touchdown run to make it 28-19.
Fairfield once again delivered. This time, Bisgard took the ensuing kickoff 90 yards to the house to make it a two-point game once again, 28-26.
Washington would let them no closer.
The Demons milked the clock with a nine play drive on their following possession which ended with Williams in the end zone for a fourth time. The Demons missed the extra point, which kept the Trojans within an arms reach, 34-26.
Needing a touchdown and a two-point conversion, the Trojans had to move quickly.
After a solid return, the Trojans went 35 yards in four plays to put them inside the Washington 10 yard line.
However, a 12 men on the field penalty was a difference maker. Pushed back 10 yards, the Trojans didn’t advance in two straight plays making it 3rd and 15.
In four down territory, the Trojans had to pass to make a fourth down attempt more manageable, but Richardson’s pass was picked off by Williams in turn ending the game as the Demons were able to kneel it out.
Washington improves to 3-0, while Fairfield drops to 1-2.
Along with Williams, Caden Greiner finished with 56 yards rushing.
Mason Morgan ended with 98 yards receiving on two catches.
Defensively, Jude Carter finished with eight tackles.
