As he limped toward the sideline after absorbing a hard tackle against Wyandotte last season, Washington High defensive standout Jaylin Washington was initially unaware that he had suffered a broken tibia on the play.
“I definitely felt it once the adrenaline wore off,” Washington told The Community Voice.
The injury cut short a promising year for the junior cornerback that was capped off by a highlight reel 106-yard interception return for a touchdown. At the season’s midpoint, Washington was among the state leaders in multiple defensive categories.
While the physical nature of the injury seemed daunting at the outset, it was the mental anguish that took a heavier toll on Washington.
“I was at the lowest point of my life,” he said. “I felt like I had lost everything, and I was scared I would never play football again.”
Rehabilitation went better than expected for Washington, who was back doing light workouts within a few months, and fully recovered around the six-month mark. Washington added that the injury changed his perspective on life and that he felt a sense of urgency throughout the rehab process.
“Like whatever I lost, I have to get it back,” he said. “Now it’s my senior season and nobody is going to take it from me. It’s time to work for it.”
Providing further motivation, Washington has received scholarship offers from Central Methodist University, Benedictine College [Kansas], and University of St. Mary [Kansas].
Washington High head coach Camron Smith said he’s been impressed by Washington’s drive to return to the gridiron. Smith noted his star defensive pupil is a student of the game who provides invaluable leadership.
“He has always been nothing but respectful to the coaching staff,” Smith said. “He’s just a really great kid who is always open to listening and improving.”
Breaking Through
Washington’s injury also dealt a devastating blow to the school’s pursuit of its first postseason win.
Many of Kansas City, Kansas’ public school football programs have experienced struggles in the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic. With a 6-3 record, Washington was the only public school in the area to boast a winning record last season
Entering his seventh season on the sidelines, Smith has his program on an upward trajectory. He believes the pieces are in place to notch that elusive playoff victory. In order to secure a favorable playoff seed, he said his squad needs to protect its home turf and finish undefeated at home.
Washington’s home slate includes key conference matchups against Highland Park [Topeka] and Atchison.
“We’re only going to accomplish that type of success through hard work,” Smith said.
The team kicks off its season on Thursday with a road clash against Kansas City-Sumner Academy. Sumner finished 5-5 last season, while falling to Washington in last year’s opener.
Stone’s journey
Smith’s squad returns a number of key cogs on both sides of the ball — including dual-threat signal-caller Savion Stone. As a junior last season, Stone became the first prep athlete in Kansas City, Kansas public school history to pass for a 1,000 yards, while also eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing.
Now Stone has his sights set on postseason success, but in order to achieve that end, he said that he and his teammates need to be mentally sharp as the season opener rapidly approaches.
“I’m just trying to make sure everyone is on the same page, and mentally and physically prepared for the opener,” Stone said.
Stone made his varsity debut as a freshman in a playoff loss to the Pittsburg Purple Dragons, and it’s an experience that motivates him to this day. Stone said in a tense playoff atmosphere in southeast Kansas, he felt overwhelmed by the Friday night lights.
“It’s something I had to prepare myself for, and, obviously I wasn’t ready yet,” he said of the letdown performance.
While he was pleased with the team’s 6-3 record in 2024, Stone said he was disappointed by last season’s playoff loss. With the number of returning starters on both sides of the ball, Stone believes his squad can exceed its 2024 win total.
“We have to be consistent every day and make sure we stay on our grind and don’t stop,” said Stone, who has received offers from a host of community colleges — including Kansas schools Butler and Independence.
CamRon Fields, a junior wide receiver and kick returner who racked up more than 1,500 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns last season, said that he and Stone complement each other nicely on the field.
“We push each other to a higher level,” he said.
Junior offensive lineman Preston Portley II, who Smith has entrusted as one of the team captains, said that he’s aiming to instill a winning attitude in the locker room.
“I want us to believe that we can win, regardless of who we’re playing,” he said. “I’m leading by example, so every time I step on the field I’m displaying energy.”
Smith’s objectives for his players also extends to the classroom.
“Our goal is to have an overall team GPA of 3.5,” he said. “It was 3.01 last year, so I’m hopeful we can reach our goal.”
Other action
USD 500 Schools open their season this week with the following matchups. Coming off a winless campaign last season, Wyandotte High School hosts Highland Park for its season-opener Friday night. After finishing 2-7 in 2024, F.L. Schlagle hosts the Center High Yellowjackets Friday. J.C. Harmon High, who also finished 2-7 a season ago, squares off in a road clash with Marantha Christian Academy Friday night.
Washington Wildcats’ 2025 schedule
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