Washington’s starters only played a half in last Friday night’s 42-7 beat-down of the Frederick Bombers.

Frederick marched right down the field on their first possession but after that Washington’s defenders shot down the Bombers holding them to only 23 additional yards for the remainder of the night.

“I was really excited about the play of our defensive line,” head coach Brad Beller said. “Lane Taylor, Wyatt Denton, Kane Lampkin and Naithen Spaulding shut down their running game.

“They were taking on double teams, winning the double teams and still making tackles.”

Beller said Frederick is very talented but pretty much one-dimensional offensively.

“It was good to have our younger kids get some playing time and get some Friday night lights,” the coach said.

Freshman Case Alexander led the team in tackling with 10. Denton finished with eight tackles including one quarterback sack. Case Taylor and Naithen Spaulding both registered seven tackles with Spaulding netting a sack. Keller Howard and Lane Taylor both had five stops with Taylor also getting a sack.

The Warriors pretty much scored at will in the opening two quarters before the starters retired to the sidelines.

Beller attributed their ability to strike early and often rested squarely on the shoulders of his offensive line.

“I think the group that played the best Friday night was the offensive line,” the coach confirmed. “And it was due to what Frederick did defensively. They play that radar defense where they just stand up and walk around and blitz six or eight guys.

“We did not give up a sack or have a run stopped for a loss,” Beller continued. “They controlled the game the entire first half. We were very efficient and balanced. You kind of had to pick your poison as to what you wanted to give up.”

Those linemen are Tanner Winlock, Jordan Vanya, Kingston Stringer, Easton Berglan and Baylor Haynes.

Beller praised the play of veteran signal caller Major Cantrell.

“He controlled the game,” Beller said. “We ran a lot of formations and plays we hadn’t shown. He was in full control of the offense the whole game. He would come over to the sideline and let me know what they were doing. He was in tune and playing his best ball of the year.”

It was Cantrell’s 35 yard scoring strike to Nate Roberts that opened the scoring. That was the first of a trio of Cantrell passes that ended in touchdowns.

He hooked up with Roberts again for a 15 yard score in the second period and also found Max Wilson open for a 16 yard pitch and catch for a score.

Kade Norman scored on a three yard run and Hudson Howard tallied twice in the second quarter one from eight yards out and one from the Frederick 49 yard line.

Howard finished with eight carries for 133 yards.

Cantrell was 9-12 passing for 183 yards. His favorite target was Roberts who finished with three catches for 84 yards. Wilson and Cage Morris both hauled in a pair of receptions each.

The Warriors were very balanced on offense rushing for 185 yards and throwing for 183 yards.

Up next for the 4-0 and No. 1 ranked Warriors is a home contest Friday night with CCS. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“CCS is a very familiar opponent,” Beller said. “We’ve played them every year since 2016. Their defense brings a ton of pressure.

“Over the years their 3-4 defense with all the pressure has given us fits. They play extremely hard and are very well coached defensively.”

On offense the Royals use a spread offense but this year, Beller reports, they have used more H back and two back sets than they have in the past.

“They want to run to be able to throw the ball. They have been very effective at moving the ball on the ground this year,” Beller noted.

He said the key for a successful Warrior outcome is to take care of the football on offense and on the defensive side of the ball to make sure they get aligned and knowing their option responsibilities.

Warrior notes:

Washington Head Coach Brad Beller nominated Case Alexander as the Defensive Player of the Week for his 10 tackle performance against the Bombers.

Beller nominated Wyatt Denton as the Defensive Lineman of the Week. He had eight tackles and a quarterback sack.

Baylor Haynes got the nod as the Offensive Lineman of the Week. He graded out at 82 percent against Frederick.

Beller nominated Major