A promising start turned into a lackluster outcome for the No. 2 Washington Demon football team (3-1 overall; 1-1 Class 3A District 5) Friday night. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, the Demons hosted the Solon Spartans (3-1 overall; 2-0 Class 3A District 5) in the team’s annual Heroes Night game at Case Field. Multiple Demon turnovers helped the Spartans score 36 unanswered points as Solon overcame a 15 point first half deficit for a 36-15 victory.

All of Washington’s scoring came in the first 20 minutes. Quarterback Ryan Reighard connected with tight end Bryce Sinn for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 2:04 remaining in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead. Reighard used his legs to record the Demons’ final touchdown of the game, a 23-yard scamper with 7:24 remaining in the first half. A successful two-point conversion made the score 15-0.

The final 31 minutes were dominated by the Spartans. Quarterback Blayze Griffis connected with wide receiver Trevor Nelson for a pair of touchdowns in the final four minutes of the first half. At the break, Washington led Solon, 15-14. The teams played a scoreless third period. The final 12 minutes belonged to the Spartans, scoring 22 points in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Solon took the lead for good in the first 38 seconds of the frame as running back Kendrick Harris scored an eight yard touchdown run. The two point conversion was good, making the Washington deficit, 22-15.

The Spartan defense scored the final two touchdowns. Defensive tackle Tyler Linderbaum jumped a passing route and took the ball 73-yards for touchdown, making the Solon lead 29-15. The first play of the ensuing possession, cornerback Spencer Wegmann grabbed another interception and took it 20 yards for a score. The second straight pick-six capped off the scoring at 36-15.

Reighard posted 258 yards of total offense, scoring two touchdowns and three interceptions. Sinn tallied three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown. Javionn Willis and John Dillon had one interception a piece. The Demon offense committed four turnovers, three interceptions and one fumble lost.

The loss drops Washington’s record to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in district play. The Demons resume their season at Trojan Stadium Friday, battling the Fairfield Trojans (3-1 overall; 1-1 Class 3A District 5). Fairfield upended the Keokuk Chiefs (2-2 overall; 0-2 Class 3A District 5) last Friday, 33-16.