SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN PRESS

ALEXANDRIA — Freddie Harrison wanted to see effort and passion from his team on Friday night, and the Charging Indians delivered.

Washington-Marion’s defense held Peabody to 142 total yards and scored two touchdowns to aid an efficient offensive performance, as the Charging Indians (1-0) manhandled the Warhorses (0-1) 46-6 in the teams’ season opener.

W-M, led by a standout performance from junior linebacker Melvin Jones, forced four turnovers. Jones had a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter and also recovered a fumble, while senior cornerback John Jones stepped in front of a pass and returned the pick 32 yards for a score on the game’s final play.

“We came out strong, came out ready, came out with a positive attitude and stopped them,” said Melvin Jones, who described his touchdown as “one of the best feelings” a defensive player can have.

“The defense really played hard,” said Harrison, who is hoping to guide the Charging Indians to improvement over last year’s 2-8 campaign. “You can never be mad at a defense that gets out here and allows six points.”

The Charging Indians’ offense, while not necessarily explosive, was mostly efficient against the Warhorses. Senior quarterback Dylan Gibson threw for 104 yards and three touchdowns, including two to sophomore Demond Delahoussye, who caught a 13-yard pass for a score in the second quarter and took a bubble screen 24 yards for another touchdown in the third quarter.

“They were always blitzing,” Gibson said, “so we had to go to quick passes.”

Senior Osha Jackson rushed for 133 yards on 11 carries, breaking five runs of more than 20 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Julius Fontenot also added a 7-yard touchdown.

Harrison said his team could have executed better on offense. The Charging Indians fumbled five times and lost three of them. Several drives bogged down quickly, and W-M didn’t take advantage of good field position on a couple of occasions.

But after a two-win season last year, any victory feels good, Gibson said.

“The kids are really working hard and trying to turn the corner,” Harrison said.

It gets a little tougher next week, though, as the Charging Indians play host to Barbe, a 61-31 winner over LaGrange.

“I’m satisfied with the ‘W,’ but we’ve got to work hard next week,” Harrison said.