Photo courtesy of Washington Matbackers.

A statement was made in the postseason opener for the No. 5 Washington Demon wrestling team (26-1) Saturday. Thirteen Washington wrestlers placed in the top two at the sectional tournament at Keokuk High School, helping the Demons win the event with 282 points. The Washington team clinched a spot in tomorrow’s regional dual tournament in their home gym.

Saturday, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont placed second as a team with 199 points. Tuesday the Demons will compete against Albia (22-5), Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (28-3), and Williamsburg (20-4). The winner will advance to next week’s state dual tournament.

Those who finished in the top two in their weight class will also advance to the district tournament Saturday. The Demons wrestlers who earned a spot include Walker Ikerd (106; 1st; 30-6), Garrett Ikerd (113; 2nd; 27-10), Dillon Sanders (120; 2nd; 13-7), Kyle Anderson (126; 1st; 35-6), Andrew Waite (138; 1st; 31-8), Austin Hazelett (145; 2nd; 19-5),Trey Van Weelden (152; 1st; 23-5), Tristin Westphal-Edwards (160, 1st, 36-4), Logan Escher (170; 1st; 20-19), Collin Murphy (182; 2nd; 20-21), Karlton Skubal (195; 1st; 27-3), Tanner Murphy (220; 2nd; 26-10), and Mitchell Huisenga (285; 2nd; 29-13). The Class 2A District 3 tournament will be held at noon Saturday at Fairfield High School featuring wrestlers from Benton Community, Clear Creek Amana, Columbus-Winfield-Mount Union, Davis County, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Fairfield, Keokuk, Solon, West Burlington-Notre Dame-Danville, and Williamsburg. The top two placing wrestlers in each weight division will advance to the Iowa State Individual Wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on February 16-18.