The upcoming football season is still six months away, but the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) got the conversation started with the release of the 2016 and 2017 schedules. The Washington Demons’ newest slate of gridiron opponents includes two non-district games versus Class 2A opponents, and the final seven games impacting the squads’ chances of making the playoffs for a sixth straight season.

The season kicks off August 26, when Washington travels to Albia for a battle against the Blue Demons. It will mark the eighth meeting versus the schools, and the first since the 2001 season. The Demons have won all seven previous match ups versus Albia.

After a two year absence, a Washington County rivalry is set to renew at Case Field September 2 as the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks return to the Demons’ schedule. Washington and Mid-Prairie met every year on the gridiron from 2004 to 2013 with the Demons winning eight of the 10 games.

Washington’s district season begins on September 9, traveling to Bob Evans Field for another meeting against the Mount Pleasant Panthers. This will be the 38th battle of the Demons and Panthers all-time on the football field with Washington winning the last five contests.

The Demons’ home district games include showdowns versus the Solon Spartans (9/16), the Keokuk Chiefs (9/30), the West Burlington/Notre Dame Falcons (10/7), and Fort Madison (10/21). The road slate includes battles against Fairfield (9/23) and Oskaloosa (10/14).

The Washington Demon football team finished the 2015 season with a 7-3 overall record. The team is scheduled to return nine all-district players in 2016.