Walker Ikerd (gray singlet) attempts a pair of underhooks in his grapple against Alburnett’s Jaymus Wilson on December 20. Photo courtesy of the Washington Matbackers.

The three-time defending Southeast Conference wrestling champions will look to get a step closer to another league title tonight. The No. 5 Washington Demon wrestling team (16-0) won all 16 dual matches prior to winter break, including conference grapples against Fairfield (57-15) and Keokuk (64-10). The Demons will face the Fort Madison Bloodhounds (2-2). The Bloodhounds are the last conference team to defeat Washington in dual action, winning 42-16 on January 3, 2013.

Multiple media publications have Washington ranked in their Class 2A team dual poll. The Demons’ highest placing is from IAwrestle, who rates Washington as the third best dual team. The Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association and The Predicament both graded Washington as the fifth-best dual team. In addition, five Washington wrestlers are ranked individually by The Predicament and IAwrestle, they include: Walker Ikerd (106; No. 6-IAwrestle/No.7 The Predicament), Kyle Anderson (126; No. 6-The Predicament/No.7-IAwrestle), Trey Van Weelden (152; No. 4-IAwrestle/No. 7-The Predicament), Tristin Westphal-Edwards (160; No. 6-IAwrestle/ No. 6 -The Predicament), and Karlton Skubal (195; No. 5-IAwrestle/No. 6-The Predicament).

Fort Madison has one wrestler with more than 10 match victories this season. Harlan Steffensmeier (138) has won 19 of his first 20 matches this season. Ryan Steffensmeier (106), Aaron Steffensmeier (145), and Sam Hayes (195) have nine wins apiece. The Bloodhounds lost their only conference dual so far this season, falling to the Mount Pleasant Panthers, 48-28.

KCII Sports will have live play-by-play coverage from Fort Madison High School, starting with the predual show at 6 p.m. on AM/FM KCII. The dual will also stream live on KCIIRadio.com and on the KCII mobile app.