The Washington Demons suffered defeat in Week Eight of the high school football season, falling 65-6 at Mount Vernon Friday night. The fifth-ranked team in Class 3A and last year’s state runner-up jumped in front right away, with junior Jackson Hird returning the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown.

It was the first of four scoring plays for the Mustangs on special teams, including a blocked punt that was recovered for a TD; another punt that was blocked through the back of the end zone for a safety; and senior Ben Popsipil returning the ensuing safety punt for a score. On a rainy night, Washington had two other fumbled snaps on punts that led to short fields for Mount Vernon touchdowns.

The Demons also struggled to move the ball on offense, finishing with 100 yards rushing and no completed passes. The loss drops Washington to a record of 2-6. The Demons will finish the 2023 season by hosting Southeast Conference rival Fort Madison this coming Friday. You can hear the game on 106.1 FM KCII with pregame beginning at 7 o’clock.