Wolfpack Fight Hard, but Fall to Albany 42-34

Image courtesy of Leroy Freeman (@pbl.sports.media)

In a thrilling AF1 Game of the Week, the Washington Wolfpack offense came alive this week, but it was ultimately not enough as they fell to the Albany Firebirds 42-34. Arena Rookie Jaiave Magalei came alive this week after a shaky first game, and the Wolfpack defense made some big plays, but the Firebirds weathered the storm to hold on.

Heading into this weekend, the Wolfpack and Firebirds were on diverging paths. Washington has been struggling to get their footing and was coming in on a two-game losing streak. Albany was coming in with a 15-game winning streak dating back to last season and sits atop the AF1 standings. Despite being on such different paths, the Wolfpack stood tall and refused to roll over.

Albany came out firing on all cylinders with back-to-back one-play touchdown drives in the first quarter to put the Wolfpack in a 15-0 hole. However, that would be the last time Albany got out to a two-score lead. Jaiave Magalei stepped up big and delivered in one of the biggest moments of his early career. Back-to-back scoring drives cut the Firebirds' lead down to 15-13 before the two sides traded touchdowns to close out the first half. After Aakiel Greer waltzed into the endzone for a 26-yard touchdown, a bobbled snap on the PAT had Wolfpack fans holding their breath.

But that was when Brandon Lombana went to work. The rookie out of Marist University has been the holder on kicks for the Pack, and it proved to be a great call. Lombana scooped up the snap, faded back, rolled out, and delivered a DOT to newly-acquired Tyler Stephens in the endzone for two points and a tied game heading into halftime at 21-21.

The second half kept the fireworks coming as Albany would score with quick strikes and the Wolfpack would counter with sustained drives and, unlike previous weeks, converted when they got into the red zone. Magalei was surgical all day as he finished the game 23/36 for 159 yards and four touchdowns through the air to go with two rushes for 17 yards and a key touchdown in the third quarter to keep it tied.

In preseason, the buzz out of training camp was how the combo of towering receivers Aakiel Greer and Quintavius Workman would create chaos for defenses, and this was the first week it was on full display. Workman opened up the scoring early, and Greer kept it going the rest of the night. Combined, the duo had 19 catches for 132 yards and four touchdowns (Workman caught 10/11 for 58 and a TD, Greer caught 9/16 for 74 and three TDs).

Albany continued to try to pull away, but timely throws from Magalei and an offense that solved its redzone woes kept the Pack hanging around. The Wolfpack defense did not have the best game, but they did succeed in slowing the Firebirds and were on the verge of big plays several times, but unfortunate bounces thwarted potential turnovers and stops. 

Washington had a chance as the fourth quarter wound down to tie the game, a last-minute drive almost stalled out, but a clutch catch by Tyler Stephens kept the drive alive. With first and goal looming, Magalei took to the air on all four plays, but was unable to score as the Firebirds' defense stood tall.

MAGALEI SHINES FOR THE PACK

Throughout the game, Jaiave Magalei showed why players and coaches have been raving about his potential since preseason. Last week against Nashville, he flashed moments, but the offense struggled to convert yardage into points. 

This week, the focus was on efficiency, finishing drives, and putting points on the board. The shifts and tweaks in the offensive scheme and approach were evident as the Wolfpack offense put up its highest point total of the season. Magalei looked more comfortable in the pocket and, even when under pressure, he bought time with his legs and made plays downfield.

His work in the red zone with his arm was spectacular, and his emerging chemistry with Greer and Workman should have defenses worried the rest of the season. In the third quarter, staring at the prospect of Albany making a defensive stop and having a chance to go up two scores, Jaiave confidently made the biggest play of the game with his legs. His 16-yard scamper proved that the first half was no fluke and that the Wolfpack would battle to the final horn.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Wolfpack look like they took a big step in the right direction against the defending Arena Crown champs. After two rough losses to open the season, the Washington offense came out swinging. They took it on the chin from the champs and stood tall and delivered haymakers of their own.

After this tough loss, the Wolfpack fall to 0-3, but there is reason for optimism in Everett. This brutal two-game stretch of their schedule with the two Arena Crown contestents from 2025 is in the rearview mirror. The offense looks like it is finding its footing. And Washington may have found their quarterback.

Washington is on the road next week as they head down to Beaumont, Texas, to take on the Beaumont Renegades. The expansion Renegades are 1-2 so far this season, but their offense looked good last week against the Ocenaside Bombers. 

Washington is on the road again in Week 6 against the Oregon Lightning, and returns home in Week 7 as they host the Renegades on Saturday, May 23, at 3:00 pm Pacific in another AF1 National Game of the Week on VICE TV. Make sure you do not miss the Pack in person, so get your tickets today!