Back to all Features

Washington came up short in its bid to knock off Atchison last week and claim the Kansas City Atchison League championship. The Wildcats took the challenge to Atchison, 7-1 and 5-0 in the KCAL, but were on the wrong side of a one-point loss.

The 21-20 setback could actually help the Wildcats (3-4) on the road Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas. The matchup is the DiPasquale-Moore Law Metro Matchup of the Week.

"We were 2 minutes away from beating a one-loss team and becoming the league champs a year after missing an entire season," Washington head coach Camron Smith said. "We proved we have the talent and the fight. We just have to finish."

Players have responded well this week in practice, Smith said. Senior Cameron Allen organized a player film session over the weekend to get a jumpstart.

"I see focus," Smith said. "I see a group of guys that want to go out there Friday and give it their all."

The Saints of the always-tough Eastern Kansas League have historically dominated the series with Washington. St. Thomas Aquinas, 4-4 and 3-3 in EKL play, is difficult to prepare for, Smith said.

"They have an amazing run game and efficient pass game," he said.

Like most .500 teams that play in competitive leagues, the Saints have lost to good teams and beat better ones. Smith told his players not to sleep on St. Thomas Aquinas, which gave Blue Valley Northwest (7-1, 5-1) its only loss of the season in Week 7 and head into Week 9 playing some of its best ball of the season.

"Their record isn't a reflection of their level of play," Smith said.

Washington will be tested against the Saints. Will the Wildcats answer the call?