Indians, Blue Lions combine for 116 points as Washington holds on against Hillsboro

WASHINGTON C.H. — One hundred and sixteen points scored after 48 minutes of high-powered football saw the host Washington Blue Lions outlast the Hillsboro Indians by a score of 61-55 at the newly revamped Gardner Park, Friday night in Week 6. 

The game was also the opener for Frontier Athletic Conference play, and for those who love offense, this was the ticket to have, as there were drives that went over 15 plays for points, and there were drives that took one play to reach the end zone. 

Both teams battled until the final whistle sounded, as with all of the offense gained in the evening, the game ended with the Blue Lions taking a knee to run out the final seconds of the clock. 

Hillsboro junior running back Jonathan Malone was the “workhorse” player on offense for the Indians, as he pounded his way through the Washington defense for 253 rushing yards on 29 carries including two touchdown runs of 53 and 21 yards.  

Senior quarterback Tre Captain finished with 30 rushes for 123 yards, including four touchdowns. The Indians had three players reach the century mark in rushing, as senior Braylon Mayes finished with 10 carries for 103 yards and one touchdown. 

Unofficially, the Indians rushed for 558 yards, as other rushing totals included senior Malachi Aber finishing with eight carries for 28 yards, and senior Collin Swackhamer totaled eight carries for 51 yards in his return to action following an injury that cost him a few games this season. 

Washington (1-0, 2-4) finished with their offense being successful in the air with junior quarterback Sam Pfeifer going 6-of-7 for 131 yards with five touchdown passes which included distances of 29, 29, 50, 29 and 29. 

Washington’s Aden Osborne had three receptions for 91 yards, while sophomore Champ Walters had 137 yards receiving on three receptions, all touchdowns. The Blue Lions also had sophomore J’vion Gatewood finish with 142 yards receiving on four receptions. 

HHS now stands at 0-1 in the FAC and 0-6 overall. Washington improves to 1-0 in the FAC and 2-4 overall. 

Next for Hillsboro is an away game against the Jackson Ironmen at JHS with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Washington is scheduled to face the McClain Tigers at WCH, with it being the Blue Lions’ scheduled homecoming game at 7 p.m. 

Check back to highlandcountypress.com on Saturday afternoon for the complete game article and photos.