Washington alum Thomas Bump (No. 9) makes a tackle during his senior football season versus the Clear Creek Amana Clippers. Photo courtesy of Susan Harshman/Washington Demon Football.

A recent Washington graduate recorded his first collegiate sack this week. The Missouri Western Griffons (1-0 overall) opened the 2016 football season at home Thursday, squaring off against the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) Lopers (0-1 overall). The Griffons cruised to a 44-21 victory over the Lopers.

With the outcome in hand, 2015 Washington graduate Thomas Bump made his college football debut on defense in the fourth quarter. During the Lopers’ final drive of the game, Bump was able to get through the offensive line, dropping UNK’s back-up quarterback Justin Roberts for a two-yard loss. Bump redshirted during his true freshman season last fall.

Bump shined during his high school football career in Washington, recording 104.5 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and seven fumble recoveries. As a senior, he led the Demon defense with 71 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries, and four sacks.

The Missouri Western Griffons football team is based in St. Joseph, Missouri. Washington alums Nic Williams (2010) and Brock Kimball (2012) played for the Missouri Western football team last season, and have since graduated.