JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a pivotal matchup on Friday, the Raines Vikings’ leading rusher, Tadarius Washington, is set to make his return as the team faces Yulee (7-1) with the district championship hanging in the balance.
Washington, who has been a key contributor for the Vikings this season with seven total touchdowns and over 500 yards of offensive production, is eager to return after missing time due to an ankle injury sustained against Madison County.
“That game I sat out kind of messed me up a little bit,” Washington said. “It was good seeing my brothers out there balling out. I was out there just cheering them on, but I’ll be back this week.”
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Head Coach Donovan Masline said Washington is a game-changing presence for the Vikings’ offense, describing him as a dynamic and athletic player with the ability to change directions quickly at a high level.
“He’s a hard runner – that’s just who he is as a person,” Masline said. “They can always depend on Tadarius to make a play in a time of need.”
“When I see that hole open up, I don’t even think,” the senior running back said. “Just get it and go full speed.”
The upcoming game carries extra weight as it marks Washington and his fellow seniors’ final regular-season home game at “The Graveyard.” The significance isn’t lost on the senior playmaker.
“It feels unreal really. I haven’t processed it yet. This is my last game home here. Everything has been so fast. It’s crazy,” Washington reflected.
Beyond the emotional significance of senior night, Washington and his teammates have their sights set on larger goals. With district championship implications on the line, this game represents a crucial step toward their state championship aspirations.
“There’s no better feeling than this – everybody I grew up with, we’re all finishing together,” Washington said. “The goal is us getting that ring. We gotta get that ring. We can bring that ring back this year.”
And returning to the field means Washington can get back to accomplishing several personal benchmarks. He aims to reach 12 total touchdowns and surpass 1,000 all-purpose yards, goals that he hopes will attract attention from Division I programs.
When asked what it will take to achieve these goals, Washington’s response was straightforward.
“Hard work, continue doing what I’m doing every day. Just trying to get this ankle back right so we can get back on the road.”
The Vikings will host Yulee on Friday at 6:30 p.m., as they look to secure the district title and maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.