The Washington wrestling team came up with a big win last night over Ft. Madison, putting them in the driver’s seat to win the conference.

The Demons started with Karlton Skubal at 182, who picked up an opening pin over Jarrett Skyes, and Brad Skubal followed suit with a pin at 195. Washington did get a set back at 220 as a reversal of fates ended with Kyle Collier getting pined and then a forfeit at 285 made it all tied up.

Washington came back strong at 106 with a pin from Andrew Waite and a major decision at 113 from Kyle Anderson. Then Fletcher Green was up at 120. Green was dominating in the early minutes before a quick reversal from Tanner Hocker put Green on his back for a near fall and Green found himself down 8-0 in the match. Green found a way though and got the decision 15-14.

Washington surrendered a tech fall at 126, and at 132 an illegal toss disqualified Ft. Madison giving the Demons another win. Washington grabbed another decision at 138 from Tristan Pohren, dropped matches at 145 and 152, and picked up the final two wins from Tanner Knupp at 160 by decision and Austin Latchem got the pin at 170 to give the Demons a 43-26 victory.

Head coach Brent Van Weelden says this is the first time Washington has beat the Bloodhounds since he has been there, and that it was a good dual all the way around for his kids.

“It played out kind of the way I thought it would, which was nice that we could get that win,” Van Weelden said. “I’ve not beat them since I’ve been here, and I know that they’ve been conference champions for a long time, but we still have to beat Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant, so we still have some work to do.”

The Demons closed out the night with a 45-25 win over Sigourney. Washington got pins from Waite at 106, Anderson at 113, Knupp at 160 and Brad Skuball at 195.

Washington moves on to the Highland tournament on Saturday.