Washburn Football Rolls Past South, 45-6

Minneapolis Washburn senior Kyle Hughes understands the process. He knows the reason the Millers’ offense runs so fluidly is because opposing defenses are worried about running back Jeff Jones’ tough, aggressive running.

But Hughes wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s why he finds his way into the end zone with dazzling proficiency this fall, and it’s why the Millers’ balanced attack has exploded for 40-plus points in each of their first two games of 2011.

Washburn rolled to a 45-6 win over Minnneapolis South on Friday at Les Barnard Field, using its offensive chemistry perfectly. Jones’ harsh running led to three scores, and Hughes caught two touchdown passes in the route—including a 95-yard reception with 50 seconds left in the first half.

Washburn beat Minneapolis Patrick Henry 40-12 in Week 1.

“I can really see the maturity in (Jones) from his freshman year to his sophomore year—he’s getting to the open holes,” Hughes said. “That makes our passing game a lot easier. When everyone is expecting the run, the pass is wide open.”

Washburn (2-0, 2-0 Minneapolis City Conference) baffled the Tigers all day with that philosophy.

But coach Giovan Jenkins’ message in his postgame speech was about brotherhood, keeping everyone accountable on the team and working toward the ultimate goal of postseason success. On Friday at South, the Millers didn’t just overwhelm the Tigers with their offensive potency. They stifled South’s offense drive after drive with key defensive stops.

Charles Whiting returned a fumble recovery for a 33-yard touchdown in the second quarter, opening up a 13-0 lead. Later in the quarter with the Tigers driving, Derrick Schleicher intercepted a Jaylin Bynum pass that set up Hughes’ 95-yard touchdown reception.

And in the third quarter with South (1-1, 1-1) deep in its own zone, defensive lineman Orlando Koger stripped Bynum, then picked up the ball and returned it 23 yards to the Tigers’ 3-yardline. That set up a Jones touchdown and inflated the score to 39-0.

“We have good players—we can stop the run, we can stop the pass,” Koger said. “We just do our best. If we don’t stop it, we just turn the page and keep going.”

The Millers will try to turn the page once again next week when they host Waseca. Facing a non-conference opponent, Washburn hopes to keep improving one play at a time.

Relying on one another to do their jobs, the Millers know that balanced play will continue.

“We all came and played football,” Koger said. “And we love the game. That’s why we play it.”