Washington Wolfpack Lose High-Scoring Game To Michigan Arsenal, 64-36

The Wolfpack faced off against the Michigan Arsenal on Saturday night in Angel of the Winds Arena. Both teams are fighting for playoff positions and hoping to finish the season as the fourth seed in order to get a first-round home game. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, Malik Henry had a big day, as the Arsenal won 64-36 with his nine passing touchdowns. 

First Half Pace

The Washington Wolfpack started off quickly with a 23-yard screen pass from Eric Phoenix to Undra Hendrix. In one play, the Pack were down to the seven-yard line. On second-and-goal, Eric Phoenix hit Aakiel Greer for a seven-yard touchdown to give the Wolfpack a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game. 

On Michigan’s first possession, Malik Henry hit Dani Williams for a 21-yard pass to start their drive. From the 22-yard line, Henry hit Jarius Grissom for a touchdown to even the game up 7-7 with 10:15 left in the first. Both of these teams had been more of second-half teams. However, they both started off quickly, showing they were ready for a shoot-out type battle. On the kickoff, Michigan hit a deuce, taking a 9-7 lead. 

On Washington’s second possession, the Arsenal defense got to Eric Phoenix and sacked him. Phoenix bounced right back, hitting Deshon Williams for a 12-yard pickup. He kept the ball moving, hitting Brandon Lombana for a twenty-yard pickup. 

Unfortunately, the Wolfpack found themselves at fourth-and-nine. On fourth, Phoenix targeted Greer again in the endzone. An Arsenal penalty for pass interference moved Washington forward to a first down. On second and goal, Aakiel Greer fumbled the ball, and Michigan took back over on offense. 

The Wolfpack defense knew they had to make a play, and they did just that. On fourth down, Isaiah Pedack was able to get a shoestring tackle on Malik Henry to turn the ball over on downs and put it back in the offense’s hands. Unfortunately, Michigan Arsenal’s defense was ready as well, picking Eric Phoenix off to get the ball back. Michigan was able to score, closing the quarter out with a 15-7 lead. 

To start the second, Michigan hit their deuce to increase their lead to 18-7. Deshon Williams went up and over two players for a fifteen-yard catch, giving the Wolfpack fans some life. However, they had a turnover on downs, giving the ball back to Michigan. The defense responded with an interception by Eugene Ford. Another fumble saw the ball find its way back to Michigan. Michigan answered as Malik Henry hit Dan Williams for a 12-yard touchdown pass, giving them a 24-7 lead.

The Wolfpack wasted no time moving the ball down the field on the next possession, giving the Arsenal only a 24-14. However, Michigan answered quickly and scored, taking it 30-14. The shootout had begun. Wolfpack answered right back, bringing the Arsenal lead down to 30-21. The touchdown was from Eric Phoenix to Brandon Lombana on a 17-yard pass play. 

Michigan answered quickly again, hitting Jarious Grissom for a long touchdown pass from Malik Henry. The extra point made the game 37-21 with 40 seconds left in the first half. 

Second Half Struggles

To start the second half, Michigan received the ball, but not before new kicker Andrew Boyle nailed a deuce, cutting the lead to 15! Jarius Grissom caught a pass from Malik Henry on fourth down to extend the Arsenal's lead 44-23. 

On the Wolfpack’s next drive, Eric Phoenix took a snap from the one-yard line on fourth and eleven. Phoenix found Tyler Stephens for a long pickup. The Arsenal were able to pick off Eric Phoenix, getting their offense back on the field. Their offense was able to take advantage, taking a 50-23 lead. Eric Phoenix showed his dual-threat ability as he rushed for a touchdown to cut into that lead, 50-29. 

Both teams went back and forth to finish the game, with the Arsenal taking a 64-36 lead with four minutes left in the fourth quarter. That’s how the game would end. Malik Henry for the Michigan Arsenal threw for 332 yards and nine passing touchdowns. 

Up Next

It was a tough loss against a talented Arsenal squad. However, the Wolfpack know they belong in the playoff conversation. With one more regular-season home game on the schedule and then a road game against Minnesota, the Pack will look to finish strong and carry momentum into the postseason.

The Wolfpack will have a short rest week this week, playing on Friday against the Nashville Kats in Angel of the Winds Arena. This is the last regular-season home game for the Wolfpack - get your tickets here and howl with other Wolfpack fans!