A new era of football at Washington High School began Friday night in victorious fashion on the road.
Chuck Williamson got the win in his first game Blue Lions’ head coach, 42-26 at Northridge.
Last season, Northridge won at Gardner Park, 14-7.
“Our kids played resilient,” Williamson said. “We turned the ball over four times. We could have put the game away, but we didn’t.
“Our kids kept fighting and clawing,” Williamson said. “Then we finally did put the game away.
“We scored 28 points in the second quarter,” Williamson said. “That was big for us.
“We talked before the game to our kids about sacrificing for your teammates, playing for each other,” Williamson said. “And, by golly, they did. They went after it.”
Dillon Steward had two kickoff returns for touchdowns for the Blue Lions.
Washington’s quarterback, Jarett Patton, was 17 of 25 for 144 yards and two touchdowns and three interception.
Kameron Kearns led the Blue Lions on defense, according to Williamson.
Chase Sluder had a fumble recovery for the Blue Lions.
Jacob Barton caused a fumble for the Blue Lion defense.
Kory Proby had eight receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.
Jacob Rice carried the ball 15 times for 66 yards and one touchdown.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our kids,” Williamson said. “We preached two-platoon all summer. They were dropping like flies and we were good to go. We just wore them down.
“We talk about four to six seconds of relentless effort and boy, did we get that tonight,” Williamson said. “On kickoff returns, we had guys flying around, playing hard.
“On special teams, we had an onside kick,” Williamson said. “We just couldn’t be more proud of our kids tonight.”
The Blue Lions will be at home next week at Gardner Park to take on the Circleville Tigers.
Circleville was pounded by Miami Trace last night, 51-12.
