Wolfpack Fall Short Against Monsters 56-42

With a chance to secure the first playoff berth in team history, the Washington Wolfpack came into AMSOIL Arena ready for their first-ever matchup with the Minnesota Monsters. They opened the game strong, trading blows early, but the Monsters' defense derailed the Wolfpack offense in the middle third of the game, and a late Washington comeback attempt fell short as the Monsters held on to win comfortably, 56-42.

After a tightly contested first half, the third quarter saw things turn against the Wolfpack. With a fumble on a kickoff that the Monsters returned for a touchdown and a deep shot to Jarvai Flowers, Minnesota rattled off 21 unanswered before Washington returned a blocked point-after-attempt for two points. Minnesota’s defense turned it up a notch throughout the second half, and their 21-0 run to open the second half was key to separating from the Wolfpack.

Washington had some moments on offense, including a strong push in the late third quarter and early fourth quarter, but they could not overcome the early miscues, and an Andrew McBride interception proved costly in the fourth quarter. 

WASHINGTON OFFENSE SPUTTERS WHEN NEEDED

The Wolfpack started hot. They were matching the Monsters blow for blow in the first half and were finding a way to make it work. Quarterback Andrew McBride made his first start for the Wolfpack and kept the offense moving to start and end the game. In the middle third, the end of the second and start of the third, the Monsters unleashed a pass rush that had McBride on the wrong foot consistently. McBride was able to turn it around late in the third quarter and posted a strong stat line, finishing 15/34 for 163 yards and five touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. He did throw an interception in the fourth quarter that came as the Wolfpack were attempting to mount a comeback late. 

Helping McBride’s aerial performance was a banner day from rookie receiver Brandon Lombana. Lombana had a career-best day with three catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Including an electrifying 41-yard catch, break tackle, and run for a touchdown that sparked life into the Wolfpack offense as the game wound down. “I’ve been talking about this kid [Brandon Lombana] all season long,” said Head Coach JR Wells he’s finding his way, and he’s going to be explosive and trust himself and his speed.”

Lombana’s big day came as the Wolfpack spread it around offensively with five receivers in double digits for yardage and four receivers catching touchdowns. Fullback Undra Hendrix was a wrecking ball all day. He had 22 yards receiving and 10 yards rushing, including a fifteen-yard catch and run that saw him dragging opposing players across the goal line for a touchdown. Tyler Stephens and Aakiel Greer also each added a touchdown through the air.

DEFENSE MAKES PLAYS, STRUGGLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME

In what became a common refrain for Washington, the middle of the game was not kind to the Wolfpack Defense. Minnesota scored 43 of their 56 points in the second and third quarters. Ten of those points came on a pair of deuces and a special teams fumble, but it was still not the normal performance that fans have come to expect out of the Smack Squad.

They did have some bright spots as Eugene Ford was a force all over the field. He had six tackles and an interception that prevented Minnesota from scoring and turning the game into a rout. In addition to that interception, he scooped up a blocked extra point attempt and returned it the length of the field for two points. His running mate in the secondary, Byron Edwards, had three pass breakups and three tackles. 

Outside of those splash plays by Ford, the Wolfpack struggled to generate their normal turnovers, and the mobile Javonte Johnson proved elusive to their tenacious pass rush. The Pack had Johnson on the run for most of the night, but they were unable to get home for any sacks.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE WOLFPACK

As of now, the Washington Wolfpack have no games remaining in the 2026 Arena Football One Season. They have played out their regular season schedule, but their season may not be done yet. If the Minnesota Monsters beat the Beaumont Renegades in Week 15, the Wolfpack will secure the sixth seed in the playoffs and be back in Minnesota during the weekend of July 24-26 for what would be the first playoff game in Wolfpack history.

The Minnesota Monsters have locked up the #3 seed in the AF1 Playoffs and will be hosting a playoff game during the weekend of July 24-26. Minnesota will be familiar with whichever team faces them in that playoff game, as it will be either Washington or the Beaumont Renegades, who they play in Week 15.

Head Coach JR Wells is optimistic about the Wolfpack’s chances and will have the players working in the bye week to prepare for a potential playoff game. “The belief and bond in each other is going to make a difference for us if we get back to the playoffs,” said Coach Wells. This has been one of his central messages all season, and the Wolfpack have put together a special group of players on and off the field.

The Wolfpack season is in a holding pattern now, and it all comes down to some scoreboard watching next Saturday, July 18, at 4:00 pm Pacific, as the Renegades head to Minnesota for the last regular-season game of the 2026 AF1 season.