WASHINGTON (7News) — The Bell Griffins have run through their competition in the DCIAA Stripes division. They’re on the verge of winning a Gravy Bowl title partly due to their defense, but also thanks to their bruising running back Antonio Washington.
“We started off slow, just like every other team, we try to bet our pieces together and come together and win this championship. So that’s what we’ve been doing for the past league play. And we’re 5-0, as you can see,” says Antonio Washington.
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Washington, who they also call the ‘Bus,’ dominated in a 271-yard rushing and 4-touchdown performance in the Stripes semifinal. The 5’10” 230-pound back amassed over 1,200 yards on the ground this year, meaning he was the focus of opposing defensive coordinators all season long. It serves as motivation for Washington.
“It feels great,” he said. “They can try to stop it. You could go plan for me, but you gonna stop it? That’s the question they asking themselves every game. So they gonna keep asking that.”
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In addition to a career day on the ground in that semifinal game against McKinley Tech, Washington also threw for 122 yards and two touchdowns. The ability to throw adds an aspect to his game, a unique talent that some running backs don’t get to display.
“I really don’t compare me to nobody. I just play like me every game.”
The junior has no problem getting the ball on every down and acknowledges that his success leads to a potent offense, “Of course, I like to help my team. And we can’t throw it, give me the ball, I’m going to get some yards. It’s gonna open up the pass.”
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Washington also plays defense for the Griffins, but when asked which one he prefers.
“Running over somebody, because they expect to give you a big hit. But you got to lower that power and give it back to them.”
Bell has had a handle on their opponents this year, outscoring them 159-10, now, Washington knows bringing home a title to the Northwest school would be important not only for him but his teammates from last year as well.
“Oh, man, [it means] a lot. Because last year really hurt us, we lost in playoffs, on this field. So we’re trying to get that back for them.”
