Washington claims section title with big win over Fort Cherry

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News, pfn

Nathan Jones | October 31, 2026

The battle of 8-1 teams looking to be the newest champion of the Black Hills conference, opened up in a very sloppy way. The Washington High Prexies hosted the Fort Cherry Rangers in this clash, and the first three drives of the game ended in a fumble recovered by the defense. Six fumbles in the first half led to a 7-0 halftime score. After that the offensives figured out some problems, and the Prexies found their magic in the run game. After all minutes of play, the Prexies took the section crown and beat the Rangers by a score of 35-14.

The first opening drive fumble was recovered by Fort Cherry in Washington territory, by Tyler Wolfe. Unable to use the field position to their advantage though, the Rangers also fumbled. This time it was Alfonzo Whitaker on the recovery. On the ensuing drive, the Prexies drove their way all the way to Fort Cherry twenty-six before the next fumble occurred. Fort Cherry once again recovered this fumble, and the fourth fumble happened right away. On the first play of the drive, the Rangers were unable to gain control of the snap, but were fortunate enough to recover the fumble. This big loss was too much to overcome though, and Fort Cherry punted. On the third play of the Prexies’ drive, Ameer Nelson broke off for a huge run, and Washington took a seven point lead.

Fort Cherry continued their offensive woes, and four unsuccessful plays, including the fifth fumble of the game, led to a turnover on downs, the fumble was recovered by the Rangers, and they drove into Washington territory, so the turnovers weren’t too crucial. This was quickly shown as the Prexies’ offense did not take advantage of their defensive helpings. The sixth fumble of the half happened and it was recovered by Wolfe. The Rangers followed with a three and out, and Washington gained one first down before their own punt. Fort Cherry’s longest drive of the half still wasn’t enough for points, and the Prexies let the rest of the clock drain without trying anything major.

The Rangers opened up the second half with a three yard run, and then an interception. The interception for the Prexies was caught by JaQuay Heyman. Washington finally used the turnovers to their advantage, and a one yard touchdown run by Trenton Grooms gave them a fourteen point lead. Fort Cherry wasted no time though, and less than two minutes later, they scored their first touchdown. The points came from Eli Salvini on a one yard score. The offenses continued to roll for both teams, as they both scored touchdowns on their next drive. The first one was from Washington and it was a Blaise Naraskivitch three yard touchdown. The Fort Cherry touchdown was a Colin Sieg eleven yard rush. Fort Cherry then had a chance to tie the game as Washington punted on their next drive. A humongous return on the punt was taken off due to a block in the back, and Fort Cherry never recovered. Another three and out led to yet another punt. This time, Washington gave their opponent no hope, and with a little over five minutes left on the clock, Jamarie Walker got his first touchdown of the night. Fort Cherry wasn’t ready to give it up yet, and a huge return by Joey Barna, followed by a penalty, set up the Rangers with only fifteen yards in front of them. After gaining a first down and having a goal to go situation, Fort Cherry fumbled the ball once again and lost all hope. Washington put the icing on the cake with a seventy-five yard touchdown from Nelson, and the Rangers’ useless last ditch drive ended the game.

Washington (9-1) and Fort Cherry (8-2) will now look towards the WPIAL playoffs to see what matchup they will get.