The Washington and Solon football teams fighting for field position during last year’s Class 3A first round playoff game at Case Field. Photo courtesy of Susan Harshman/Washington Demon football.

A familiar foe awaits the No. 2 Washington Demon football team (3-0 overall; 1-0 Class 3A District 5) tonight in the school’s annual Heroes Night game. Washington and Solon (2-1 overall; 1-0 Class 3A District 5) split a pair of meetings last season at Case Field. Washington won the regular season game, 28-7. Solon won the postseason rematch in overtime, 17-14, in the first round of the playoffs.

Tonight is the third annual Heroes Night Football game, designed to recognize any past or present member of the military, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and public servants of the Washington community. A caravan is being organized at Washington High School at 4 p.m. and will depart for Case Field at 4:30 p.m. After their arrival at the field, the heroes will warm up with the Demon football team at 6:30 p.m. or immediately after the conclusion of the freshman game. After warmups, the football team returns to the locker room with the heroes for Washington’s pregame speech. Finally, the heroes will congregate at the concession stand seven minutes before the game. The Demons and heroes will stand on the field together for the National Anthem.

The Demons have cruised through the first three weeks of the season, outscoring their opponents 138-26. Washington’s defense forced a season-high four turnovers, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, during last week’s 47-12 victory over Mount Pleasant. Several Washington athletes lead the district in statistical categories. Quarterback Ryan Reighard tops Class 3A District 5 in passing yards (611), passing touchdowns (eight), completion percentage (81%), and rushing yards (571). Wide out Javionn Willis leads the district in receiving yards (367), receiving touchdowns (eight), and receptions (21). Bryce Sinn is tied for the district lead in sacks (4) and Caleb Bex is tied for the district lead in fumble recoveries (2).

After going 1-1 to start the season, the Solon Spartans opened Class 3A District 5 play last week with a convincing 42-0 victory over the Keokuk Chiefs (2-1 overall; 0-1 Class 3A District 5). Kendrick Harris rushed for a game-high 158 yards and three touchdowns. He compiled 145 yards and zero touchdowns during non-district play. Blayze Griffis enters his second season at quarterback for the Spartans. He’s tallied 440 yards through the air, throwing four touchdowns and one interception. Ten players have caught a pass this season for Solon. Bo Black leads the team with 88 receiving yards and is tied with Jacob Coons for the team lead in receptions with six. Trevor Nelson has caught two touchdown passes, the most on the Spartans’ squad.

KCII Sports will have live play-by-play coverage from Case Field beginning with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 7 p.m. on KCII FM 106.1. The game will also stream online at KCIIRadio.com and on the KCII mobile app.