Defense!

Washington’s defense pitched a shutout and Hudson Howard ran wild for five touchdowns last Friday night in Washington’s 34-8 victory over the visiting Jones Longhorns.

Jones’ lone touchdown came when Washington’s third team offense was on the field. A botched snap was recovered in the end zone preventing the overall shutout.

Led by Cole Beller’s 12 tackle performance including 10 unassisted out in space, the Warriors defenders swarmed to the football.

Max Wilson picked off two of Jones’ aerials while Tatum Wilk and Kade Norman each had an interception.

“That was overall one of the better defensive performances we’ve had,” head coach Brad Beller said. “To hold their offense with all their talent and shut them out was special.”

Beller noted Jones’ starting quarterback Clayton Creasey was out with a shoulder injury.

“But their backup was plenty talented,” the coach said.

“I was very pleased with our defense in how they were able to fight through some adversity when the offense turned it over.

“Cole Beller played an amazing game and Case Alexander is not playing like a freshman,” Beller noted.

Alexander finished with 10 tackles.

“He’s getting more and more comfortable with every game he plays,” the coach said.

“And I can’t say enough about Naithen Spaulding and Case Taylor,’ Beller continued. “Naithen was double teamed all night long. He finished with seven hurries, four tackles, three for losses and two quarterback sacks.

“Case was the vocal leader of our defense against Jones,” Beller confirmed.

Beller noted the outstanding play of transfer Max Wilson at cornerback.

“He’s a new kid who is a great athlete,” Beller said. “He’s doing an unbelievable job at corner. A lot of teams were going away from Tanner Olson because he played there last year. Wilson already has three interceptions this year. He’s no longer an unknown. He has made them pay.”

Beller also had high praise for his offensive line.

“They never get enough credit. I can’t say enough about how they are playing and it’s not necessarily all physical.

“The mental adjustments they made in the game were incredible,” Beller said. “They would come off the field to the sidelines and tell us what they are doing. We were able to tell them what to do and they would go out and do it. They really dominated up front and were the reason we were able to have success in the game.”

The Warrior Head Coach was talking about the play of Easton Berglan, Baylor Haynes, Kingston Stringer, Jordan Vanya and Tanner Winlock.

“Then there is Nate Roberts. He gets so much attention in every game. For him to go out and have the grit to make an impact is special. I’m very proud of him. This is only his second year to play tight end. He’s doing some really, really good stuff,” Beller said.

Roberts finished the night with four receptions for 84 yards. Major Cantrell was 8-16 passing for 177 yards.

Then there is the dynamic junior running back Hudson Howard, who carried the mail 21 times for 142 yards and five touchdowns.

He scored on runs of 28, six, one, two and 24 yards.

“Jones did a good job of stuffing the box,” Beller said.

Warrior notes:

Washington Head Coach Brad Beller nominated Hudson Howard as the Offensive Player of the Week for his five touchdown and 142 yard explosion rushing the football against Jones.

Easton Berglan was nominated as the Offensive Lineman of the Week for grading out at 80 percent against the Longhorns.

Beller nominated Naithen Spaulding as the Defensive Lineman of the Week. Spaulding had four tackle, including three for losses, two sacks and seven quarterback hurries.

Cole Beller was nominated as the Defensive Player of the Week. He registered 12 tackles Friday night including 10 solo stops in space.

The Number 1 ranked and 3-0 Warriors have a bye week this week before traveling to Frederick next Thursday night, September 21.