Washington will host Kansas City Central in this week’s DM Injury Law Metro Matchup. The undefeated Wildcats (3-0) are off to a great start to the season. Their cross-state opponent hasn't won a game through four weeks.
Washington head coach Camron Smith likes the resolve of his young squad.
“One thing that is apparent about this extremely young team is that they have a lot of grit,” Smith said. “They don't quit when their back is up against the wall, and can lock in crucial moments, and get the job done.”
Junior Jaylin Washington has been sensational through three games. According to Smith, Washington, a defensive back, leads the state in interceptions with four. One of Washington’s picks was returned 105 yards for a touchdown. He also leads the state in return yards, according to Smith.
Sophomore slot receiver Cam’Ron Fields leads the team in TD’s with 8 and has more than 700 all-purpose yards.
Junior quarterback Savion Stone has had multiple games with over 100 rushing yards, and has a 200-yards-plus passing game under his belt. Stone has passed for 4 touchdowns and rushed for another.
Senior lineman Ryan Edwards has dominated both sides of the ball, Smith said. And senior running back Roman Couch averages a first down everytime he touches the ball.
Under first-year head coach Michael Klyce, Central had struggled a bit out the gate. But the Blue Eagles scored 44 points last week in a loss to Pleasant Hope, a fact that did not escape Smith.
“We know that they are under new leadership, and I myself know the power of change,” Smith said. “Also, they put up a lot of points last week. They have some spark plugs over there, and I like a lot of their schemes on offense.”
Smith said the Wildcats are focused on playing a complete game against the Blue Eagles.
“I want to see us give max effort for four straight quarters,” he said. “If we do that we should be able to be proud of the outcome.”
Winless through four games, Central has given up 189 points and scored only 78. The Blue Eagles are fielding a team for the first time since Central’s co-op with Southeast. Klyce, the head coach, expressed optimism about the current state of the program.
“I wouldn't say it’s been a tough start,” he said. “We knew going into the year there was a learning curve. The guys continue to fight and show up.”
Shawn Bridgewater, Coltin Ferguson, and Arik Addison have led the Blue Eagles. The trio has “shown up big time for us,” Klyce said.
Central will have its work cut out for them against Washington. But the Blue Eagles look forward to the challenge of taking on its undefeated counterparts from across the state line.
“We know Washington is an upcoming program in the KC metro area,” Klyce said. “Coach Cam will have them ready to play.”
To compete, the Blue Eagles must stay together, and not beat themselves with penalties and turnovers, Klyce said.
“And tackling are the keys for success tonight,” he said.
