Undoubtedly, Washington will be tested Friday against undefeated Wamego, 3-0. The Wildcats welcome to Wyandotte County one of the state's top Class 4 teams in the DiPasquale Moore PrepsKC Metro Matchup.
Washington, 1-2 overall, and 1-1 in Meadowlark League play, has struggled at times scoring. The Wildcats have been outscored 52-12 in losses to Sumner Academy and Bonner Springs and beat up on Harmon 80-0.
Despite the offensive struggles, the team's defense plays fast and physical, head coach Camron Smith said.
"They go after the ball and create turnovers," Smith said.
The focus this week was on "finishing drives, and giving max effort," Smith said.
The Wildcats are led by Xavyer Powell, who, according to Smith, has been making plays all over the field as a wide receiver, safety and all-around player.
Wamago has outscored opponents 125-13 so far this season. The Red Raiders' defense has been stellar. The Warriors boast one of the state's top-rated scoring defenses, giving up just over 107 yards per game, according to Sports in Kansas.
Last week, the Red Raiders allowed just 34 total yards while forcing three turnovers in a dominating 46-0 win over Concordia, Kan.
Quarterback Colin Donahue is a wide receiver by trade but has stepped in admirably for injured quarterback and Army commit Hayden Oviatt, out with a foot injury.
Through three weeks, Donahue has passed for 572 yards. His top targets, wide receivers Hagan Johnson and Chase Cottam, have accounted for 477 receiving yards combined.
Donahue threw for 120 yards with four touchdowns in a Week 3 beat down of Concordia. Running back Thomas McIntyre rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the shutout win.
Washington will be challenged by Donahue and his former contemporaries at wide receiver. The Wildcats must find a way to slow the offensive firepower and stingy defense of Wamego or it will be a long evening in Wyandotte County.
