Cedar Rapids Washington rolls past Mason City, 46-7

CEDAR RAPIDS — Fifteen penalties, four fumbles, and a pair of turnovers never looked so good. While its play was as sloppy as the weather at times, Cedar Rapids Washington endured the self-inflicted setbacks and a 30-minute lightning delay to breeze past Mason City, 46-7, Friday night at Kingston Stadium.

Posturing for the second playoff spot out of Class 4A District 5, the Warriors did what they wanted, offsetting 115 yards in penalties by using a balanced attack to amass 338 yards in the first half. Washington (2-1, 4-3) seized a 16-0 lead before the Mohawks (1-2, 1-6) ran their second play.

Stepping in for injured Haven Henningsen, Ty Johnson was the workhorse early on. Tallying 13 first-quarter carries, he powered Washington into Mason City territory on the Warriors' first possession. But quarterback Bryan Kunde was picked off by Mason City's Joey Quintero, who fell down at his own 1-yard line.

The Mohawks then had a bad exchange on their first snap, as the Warriors swarmed Noah DeMaris for the safety and the 2-0 lead.

Kunde shook off the interception, finding Ross Snitker for 24 yards down to the Mason City 6. Johnson plunged in from there for a quick 9-0 lead.

Andrew Hammer recovered his own onside kick and the Warrior offense was back onto the field. Johnson added his second touchdown run as Washington grabbed a 16-0 lead with 5:13 remaining in the first quarter.

The Warriors used a committee in the backfield from there, garnering similar results. Alex Glover spelled Johnson, recording an early second-quarter score. Marcus Robinson-Marsh added a 30-yard touchdown.

Fullback Josiah Braggs later bowled his way in from 15 yards out as Washington took a 40-0 lead into the break.

'We're getting ready for the playoffs,' Johnson said. 'We're a playoff team right now.'