Photo Courtesy of Washington Demon Football


As Washington prepared for their Week 4 matchup with the Fairfield Trojans, senior Jacob Hennigan had only ran the ball 10 times for a mere 45 yards on the season. Under his new offensive formation, first-year head coach Garrison Carter saw Hennigan as his starting slot wide receiver.

After three games, Hennigan had just eight catches for 91 yards and no touchdowns as the Demons were sitting 1-2 heading into their week four matchup with their Southeast Conference rival. Number 29 was persistent in getting coach Carter to let him get more time in the Demon backfield. The persistence paid off as Carter decided to increase Hennigan’s time in the backfield against Fairfield, and the Demons have been reaping the benefits ever since.

Hennigan rushed for 132 yards and three scores in a 42-12 rout of the Trojans, more than double his rushing yards on the season at that point,  and has improved as the season goes along. During Washington’s current five game winning streak, Hennigan has rushed for 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has exceeded 200 yards rushing in each of the past four games, including rushing for 290 yards in the 46-20 victory over the Carlisle Wildcats on Monday evening.

The senior is quick to give the credit to his offensive line. “We’ve got some veterans on the offensive line that have played for a few years, and then we have two sophomore down there as well.” Hennigan said, “They do a great job, they pick me up after every play, they just make my job so easy.”

The offensive line has sprung Hennigan on several long touchdown runs recently. Six of Hennigan’s 14 rushing touchdowns in the last five games have gone for longer than 50 yards. Currently, Hennigan has collected 1,406 yards rushing on 155 carries. Sixteen of his carries went for touchdowns. He has also become a bigger threat in the passing game as well. Hennigan has caught 29 passes for 344 yards and an additional four touchdowns. Hennigan says he is appreciating the opportunity he gets to play the position he desires.

“We have some depth at the running back position so I am glad to get the carries I do and have the O-line in front of me. It’s just great.”

Hennigan and the Demons are on the road Friday to take on the Pella Little Dutch. You can catch all the action beginning with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show beginning at 6:30 on AM and FM KCII and KCIIradio.com.

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