Washington senior Bryce Craff bounces outside on a carry during the Demons’ senior night game versus the Mount Pleasant Panthers last October. Photo courtesy of Susan Harshman/Washington Demon Football.

In the last two seasons under head coach Garrison Carter, the Washington running back corp has amassed over 2,800 yards and has scored nearly 40 touchdowns, helping the Demons win 15 games. The running back position is one of the question marks for Washington’s football team heading into the season after the graduation of starting tailback Jack Giardino and primary back up Bryce Rickey.

On Saturday’s JET Physical Therapy Radio Coaches Corner, Carter said there are six guys are taking reps with the first-team offense, including seniors Trey VanWeelden, Bryce Craff and David Mares, juniors Jack Redlinger and Tanner Murphy, and sophomore Tristan Westphal-Edwards. Craff has the most varsity carries of any athlete vying for the spot, collecting 112 yards on 27 rushing attempts. Murphy had one carry last year for minus three yards.

Carter admits he thought the competition would be settled during recent team camps but says the effort put forth by the athletes has made the decision tougher. The newest season of Washington Demon football kicks off August 26 in Albia, facing off against the Class 2A Blue Demons. Listen to Washington football broadcasts all season long on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.