Plenty of varsity firsts propelled the Washington Demon football team (1-0 overall) to their first season opening victory in three years. As heard live on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, the Demons began the 2016 football season in Albia, squaring off against the Class 2A Blue Demons (0-1 overall). Washington held a five-touchdown lead at halftime, cruising to a 42-0 victory.

Junior Ryan Reighard began his second season as Washington’s starting quarterback with a notable performance. Reighard accounted for 307 yards of total offense (187 rushing) and three scores. It took him 61 seconds to record Washington’s first touchdown of the season on a 71-yard touchdown run.

Washington had several skilled athletes score their first varsity touchdowns Friday. Junior Jack Redlinger and sophomore Tristan Westphal-Edwards each ran in first-half touchdowns, while sophomore Cade Hennigan threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to senior Bryce Sinn for the game’s lone second half score.

Senior Seth Townsen led the Demon defense with seven total tackles. Sinn recovered a first half fumble, Washington’s only turnover forced.

The victory is Washington’s first tally in the win column for a season opener since 2013. The shutout was Washington’s first since beating Fairfield 23-0 last September. The Demons return to the gridiron Friday, hosting the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks (1-0 overall) in a showdown of Washington County rivals. Hear the game live on AM/FM KCII, beginning with the Washington Hy-Vee pregame show at 7 p.m.