Washington uses defense to beat Crooked Oak in Class 2A

Washington's efficient rushing attack marched down the field to score on its first drive, then senior running back Steven Howard broke way for a 25-yard touchdown to put the Warriors up 14-0.

Crooked Oak's defense responded on the next Warrior drive to hold Washington on third and 26. But Ruf-Nex quarterback Shawnell Skanes fumbled while avoiding a sack on the next possession, and Washington's Zeke Zimmer returned it for a touchdown.

“The game goes to the defense,” Zimmer said. “I feel like we did the best we've done all year.”

After getting repeatedly stuffed up the middle in the first half, Crooked Oak switched to wide sweeps with senior linebacker Blake Giles, who finished with 43 yards.

The Ruf-Nex (6-6) tried a deep pass to junior Krevon Garrett that was barely out of bounds, but strong winds kept Skanes from trying again for a big gain.