It didn’t come easy, but the Washington Demon football team (5-1 overall; 3-0 Class 3A District 5 ) was able to extend their current winning streak over the Fort Madison Bloodhounds (1-5 overall; 0-4 Class 3A District 5) to 12 games. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com Friday, the Demons traveled to Jim Youel Stadium for a district date with their Southeast Conference rivals.

Washington overcame an early 7-0 deficit and broke three separate ties to outlast Fort Madison, 54-35. It was trio of Demon seniors who played pivotal roles in helping Washington win their 20th football game against the Bloodhounds in the last 25 years. Starting running back and safety Jack Giardino rushed for 139 yards and one touchdown offensively. He also intercepted two passes, returning one of them 63 yards for a touchdown, to help earn Giardino the title of Washington County Hospital and Clinics Player of the Game.

Wide receiver and linebacker Ethan Hansen assisted on a team-high 11 tackles, collecting 8.5 total tackles. He also amassed 84 total yards offensively, catching a 21-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Ryan Reighard in the second half.

Michael Ellingson, who plays the same positions as Hansen, had an 18-yard completion on a wide receiver pass to junior tight end Bryce Sinn to help set up a first half touchdown. He also made 5.5 total tackles defensively, three of which were unassisted.

Fort Madison’s 35 points scored were the most allowed by a Demon defense versus the Bloodhounds since the 1988 season, a game which saw Washington lose 39-18. The Demons entered the game allowing just 33 points in their previous four games combined.

The victory extends Washington’s winning streak to five games, while the loss is the fourth in a row for Fort Madison.

The Demons celebrate homecoming this week, preparing for a district contest versus the Keokuk Chiefs (1-5 overall; 0-3 Class 3A District 5). Keokuk is coming off a 41-23 loss to the Fairfield Trojans Friday at Trojan Stadium. Live play-by-play coverage at Case Field in Washington begins this Friday with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 7 p.m. on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.