The Washington Demons began a new football season with a win, as Washington fended off a comeback attempt by Oskaloosa for a 21-14 victory Friday night at Case Field.

The game-and the season-could not have started on a better note for the Demons, as junior Kael Williams returned the opening kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown.

The Demons would build the lead later in the first quarter when senior wide receiver Jayfred Espinosa caught a 20-yard pass on third down from quarterback Logan McDole and found the end zone.

A 14-0 halftime lead would not last, as Oskaloosa scored a touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter. Junior AJ Walker made magic on an 8-yard catch and run on third and goal on the Indians’ second drive of the second half, crossing the goal line to help Osky tie the game.

Washington had an answer on their ensuing possession, moving 65 yards in five plays and retaking the lead when senior receiver Mason Morgan took a screen pass 20 yards to the house.

The Demons would be the beneficiary of two fourth-quarter fumbles that Oskaloosa lost, as well as an interception by Espinosa. The second of those fumbles came after the Indians got the ball back in the final 90 seconds of the game but gave it away on a fumbled snap, sealing a win for Washington.

McDole finished the game completing 18 out of 21 pass attempts for 136 yards, with Espinsoa catching a team-high six passes for 55 yards and Morgan making three receptions for 42 yards.

After his first victory, new head coach Kelly Williams told KCII Sports that the Demons never flinched when their fast start began to fade.

“There was some adversity in the game,” Williams said. “We played really well in the first half and then came out and got punched in the mouth early in the second half. [But] we responded [and] didn’t start pointing the finger. We just kept plugging away, and [I am] just happy for our kids.”

Washington wins its season opener for the seventh time in the last nine years. The Demons will next begin Southeast Conference play when they hit the road to face Burlington in Week Two.