Cedar Rapids Washington seals playoff berth with 35-21 win at Waterloo West

WATERLOO — Cedar Rapids Washington went from possibly going home to a home playoff date.

The Warriors knew exactly what was at stake and extended its prep football season.

Fourth-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington defeated No. 6 Waterloo West, 35-21, to avoid elimination and win the Class 4A District 5 title Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

The Warriors' victory created a three-way tie with West and Cedar Falls atop the district and captured the crown on a tiebreaker. The Wahawks (8-1, 4-1) finished second, leaving Cedar Falls (6-3, 4-1) out of the postseason.

'We were very determined,' senior O'Rien Vance said. 'Everybody knew what the task was. We just came in and took care of business.'

Washington (8-1, 4-1) jumped on West early, needing just five plays to take the opening possession 70 yards. Bryan Kunde connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass to Drew Dostal, who tiptoed the sideline and dove over the pylon for a 7-0 lead just 2:02 into the game.

The Warriors established their rush attack, allowing Ian Thomas to shoulder the load. Thomas more than doubled his season yardage total, carries and rushing touchdowns.

Thomas amassed 239 yards on 36 carries, scoring three TDs. Washington finished with 322 total yards on the ground.

'I haven't played running back since sophomore year,' said Thomas, who had 162 yards on 26 carries and three TDs through the first eight weeks. 'It was more like getting in the swing of things. Now, I feel like I'm back in the swing of things because I've been working hard at practice.'

Thomas gave Washington a 21-0 halftime lead, scoring on an 18-yard run up the middle with 2:48 to go in the first and a 3-yard run with 6:42 left in the second quarter.

Neither allergies, nor the Wahawk defense could stop Thomas. He held up, despite the increased workload, and was willing to do whatever was needed.

'I was exhausted,' Thomas said. 'It didn't matter in the end.

'I didn't care how many carries I got and what I needed to do.'

Thomas added a 9-yard and 7-yard TD runs in the second half. The final one put Washington up, 35-21, with 6:26 remaining.

'I was happy with the way we were motivated and got things done in the first half,' Washington Coach Paul James said.

'Most of all, I was happy with our offensive line, the way we were able to dominate and able to run the ball. Ian had a lot to do with that, but we had fullbacks, other tailbacks carry the ball and do some good things, so you know the offensive line and fullbacks were getting it done.'

Washington's defense corralled the Wahawks in the first half, allowing just 66 total yards, including 1 yard rushing.

West finally broke through on a 64-yard scoring strike from Devon Moore to Tayshaun Cooper to cut the deficit to 28-7 midway through the third.

West rallied and moved within seven with 10:23 when Moore hit Carlton Todd for a 39-yard TD pass. Moore finished with 162 passing yards and two TDs that sandwiched a 20-yard TD run by Harrison Eighmey.

Washington finally regained control in the fourth.

'We just had to stick to our keys and play hard,' said Vance, who returned after missing time due to injury. 'We had to slow their momentum. That was our main focus.'

The Warriors will now host a first-round game next Friday at Kingston Stadium. They have been facing must-win scenarios since their lone loss of the season. The Warriors hope to have four more left.

'We started preparing ever after got beat by Cedar Falls, saying it was a seven-week season,' James said. 'We have gotten through three of them that you can't lose or your season is done.'

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