Warriors pitch shut out

In their 39-0 rout of Crooked Oak last Friday night Washington’s Warriors gained 521 yards on 46 offensive plays.

Head coach Brad Beller was quick to point to the play of his offensive line paving the way for the skilled positions to do their jobs.

“Tanner Winlock graded out at 92 percent,” Beller said. “Caleb Bruce continues to improve. He’s been really consistent the last three games.

“Baylor Haynes and Wyatt McCauley are the two with the least amount of game experience, but they have played really well,” the coach continued. “And Jordan Vanya is as consistent as they come.”

Jaxon Hendrix and Major Cantrell combined to throw for 231 yards. Hendrix had a pair of passing touchdowns.

“It was good to see Major get out there in a very limited amount of action,” Beller said.

Hendrix was 6-9 for 192 yards and had touchdown throws of 85 yards on the game’s first play to Mayson Thomas and 29 yards to Cage Morris for a score.

“Our receivers played well,” Beller said of Mason Singletary, Thomas and Morris. “Morris has been solid and was the same last Friday night.”

Hudson Howard led the rushing chart with nine carries for 96 yards.

Cole Scott carried the mail three times for 64 yards scoring on a 37 yard scamper in the first quarter.

Hendrix, Brayden Arthur and Kinzer Scott all had short touchdown runs.

On defense Beller swept the bench. While a bushel basket of Warriors played, they were still effective holding the Ruf-Nex to 42 yards rushing and negative one yard passing.

Sophomore linebacker Jordan Kilmer led the team with five tackles. Naithen Spaulding and Cole Beller each had four tackles.

Washington plays at Lindsay tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. against the once beaten Leopards, who are 5-1 on the season.

“Their only loss is to Pauls Valley the first game of the season,” Beller said.

“They run the spread like always but use their tight ends and fullbacks more than what they’ve done in the past,” Beller continued. “They are very balanced and take what the defense gives them. They share the wealth in carries between their quarterback and running back.

“They have three really good receivers who are good with the ball in their hands. They can turn a short reception into a long gain,” Beller noted.

The Leopards will base out of a 4-3 on defense.

“They are really, really physical and run to the football. Everything they do on defense if violent,” he said.

Beller said the keys for his Warriors is to limit turnovers and limit penalties.

“The team that plays the cleanest will have the best opportunity to win,” he confirmed.

Warrior notes:

Washington remains ranked No. 1 in Class 2A.

Washington Head Coach Brad Beller nominated Jaxon Hendrix as the Offensive Player of the Week. Hendrix was 6-9 passing for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a three yards plunge in the second quarter.

The Offensive Lineman of the Week nominee was Tanner Winlock, who graded out at 92 percent against the Ruf-Nex.

Beller nominated Jordan Kilmer as the Defensive Player of the Week. Kilmer had five tackles.

Getting the nod as the Defensive Lineman of the Week was Naithen Spaulding for his four tackle evening.