Washington and North Daviess both picked up big wins Friday night. The Hatchets got their second straight win over Vincennes Lincoln, while ND bounced back after a loss to Linton with a win over Wood Memorial.

This week, the Hatchets travel to Jasper, and North Daviess will face North Knox.

Washington (5-2) at Jasper (6-1)

The Hatchets have dispatched Boonville, Mt. Carmel and Vincennes Lincoln this season and one has to wonder if this is the year the Hatchets also break their streak with the Wildcats.

The Hatchets have not beaten Jasper in well over a decade, and the Wildcats have proven to be the toughest opponent year-in and year-out during that time.

This year could prove to be just as tough, as Jasper comes into the game with a 6-1 record, including a shutout win over Heritage Hills (a team they hadn’t beaten in a decade), as well as wins over Memorial and most recently, Mt. Carmel, 26-7.

A win over the Wildcats, the only unbeaten team in league play, would guarantee the Hatchets at least a share of the Big 8 football crown.

“We know it is going to take all that we have to win that game,” said Brashear. “We will need to play a flawless game at Jasper. We cannot come out like we did against Lincoln. We have to play four quarters like we did against Mt. Carmel.”

The only sore spot on Jasper’s resumé was a 27-21 loss to über rival Southridge in the second week of the season.

Washington spoiled homecoming last year at Lincoln and this year delighted Hatchet fans with a halfback pass to score on the opening play, a 73-yard strike between cousins Nick Williams and split end Joe McCormick, to begin the game.

“We had gone toss-power the last two games, so we thought they might be looking for that,” said Brashear. “So we showed the toss, and Nick just made a great pass.”

After a 7-7 tie at the half, WHS then shut down Lincoln for the rest of the game to take the 21-7 win. In fact, after the half, Lincoln only posted 23 total yards.

“I was not pleased with how we played in the first half, but Gage Puckett, Brad Thornton and Logan Hawthorne were just outstanding on defense,” said Brashear. “I want to say that Nick Williams has done a great job and is running the hardest he ever has.”

Brashear said Jasper is a very smart and talented team.

“It starts with Austin Ahrens (son of coach Tony Ahrens). He is tall, about 6-2 and 205 lbs., and just a junior. He runs really well back there, very confident and smart. He is a typical coach’s kid, very steady,” said Brashear. “His big target is senior wideout Andy Binkley. He lines up all over the place. You will also see a lot of 5-9 junior Jacob Bawel. He is also very strong and runs hard. That junior class is a very good class and has won a lot.”