Four turnovers, including three in the fourth quarter that all led to Sulphur touchdowns, proved to be the kryptonite for Washington’s Warriors last Friday night at Sulphur.

Washington’s 45-game winning streak came to a halt in Murray County. It was Washington’s first loss since the State Finals in 2021 and their first regular season loss since 2020 when Newcastle edged the Warriors. Washington has won 71 out of their last 74 games.

“We were frustrated and upset because we had a chance to win and maybe should have won but didn’t,” head coach Brad Beller said.

“We hadn’t had that many turnovers since the 2021 State Finals against Marlow.

“Some missed tackles and a bust in coverage didn’t help,” the coach said.

Of the three fourth quarter turnovers (two fumbles and one interception), two came on back-to-back offensive plays and they all led to Bulldog scores coming back from a 19-7 deficit in the final period.

The first half turnover was an interception.

“The defense, overall, played a good game,” Beller said. “We gave up a couple of deep balls, something that has been a thorn in our side this year.

“Overall our front defense was solid,” he continued. “We held (Maddax) Mobly to 66 yards rushing. Anytime you hold one of the best players in the state to 66 yards, you did some good things.”

Mobly is a United States Naval Academy commit to play football at Annapolis.

“And their passing,” Beller said. “For example, 1/2 of their passing yards came on two completions. Big plays hurt us and the turnovers hurt us.”

Beller called the defensive play of Dawson Thomas “outstanding”.

“Dawson had eight tackles and was all over the place all game long. Statistically, Case Alexander you wouldn’t say had a big game but he had his imprint all over the field. They tried to do everything they could to stay away from him. Yet, he still had six tackles and forced a fumble. Teams are trying to stay away from him yet he manages to get around the ball. And on top of that he’s one of our top receivers.”

Alexander hauled in five Creed Barrett passes on the night for 65 yards. Kade Babcock snagged seven balls and had 65 receiving yards. Jackson Mays added 45 yards receiving on three catches.

“We had a two-headed monster rushing the ball with Josiah Dickerson carrying 20 times for 137 yards and a touchdown and Javen Hall gaining 68 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.”

Barrett was 18-31 for 211 yards.

“Our running backs, Creed and our offensive line were why we were so efficient. Our O line dominated portions of the game,” Beller said. “We had times where we drove the ball right up inside. We had a lot of production and had 411 total yards of offense. You don’t usually get beat when you do that. The turnovers are what got us.”

“When you lose, coaches always need to take their fair share of credit. We’ve been preaching the little things in a big game like that. We didn’t do that  well and I’ll take full responsibility for them not doing well.”

Beller said the offensive linemen that played well last Friday night included Sam Cantrell, Gunnar Baker, Kingston Stringer, Trip Wilson and two alternating guards Evan Painter and Chaiser Phillips.

Up next for the Warriors will be a short road trip to Purcell for a 7 p.m. kick off at Conger Field.

“Purcell is always one of those times when you go in with a lot of emotion. There’s going to be a lot energy with both teams coming off losses last week. That doesn’t happen very often in this rivalry,” Beller said.

“I’m sure they will both be itching to get back out there and play. It was inexperience in their game last week that made mistakes. I’m sure they won’t make those again. In their flex-bone offense it can be difficult to defend.

“If we pout about losing, we can go out and get beat. We have to guard ourselves against that,” the coach said.

“Their front seven are very active and very physical. Our line will have to control them up front,” the coach confirmed.

The key for the Warriors, Beller confirmed, is taking care of the football.

“We’ve got to win first downs with their running game,” he concluded.

Warrior Notes:

Head coach Brad Beller nominated Josiah Dickerson as the Offensive Player of the Week. Dickerson rushed for 137 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown against Sulphur.

Hunter Sanders was nominated as the Defensive Lineman of the Week. He had five tackles and one tackle for loss.

The Defensive Player of the Week nominee was Dawson Thomas who had eight stops and one interception.

The Offensive Lineman of the Week nominee was Sam Cantrell, who graded out at 76 percent.