OCEANSIDE, Calif. [ADAM PELLETIER] — The Washington Wolfpack overcame a four-point halftime deficit and limited the Oceanside Bombers to seven second-half points to win 43-30 on Saturday, June 13.
Wolfpacks trailed 23-19 at halftime but outscored the Bombers 24-7 after intermission. The victory improved the Wolfpack to 4-4 and kept them in the playoff race, one game behind the Minnesota Monsters for the right to host a first-round game.
Quarterback Jaiave Magalei threw for a career-high 218 yards and five touchdowns. Receiver Deshon Williams caught six passes for a career-best 159 yards and four touchdowns. Defensive back Byron Edwards had eight tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.
The Bombers led at halftime after moving the ball effectively in the first half. Washington’s offense struggled with dropped passes and missed opportunities early. The Wolfpack defense tightened in the second half and held a Bombers offense that had averaged 42 points per game in previous second halves to just seven points.
Magalei completed 12 of 36 passes. Williams’ 46-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter helped shift momentum. Fullback Undra Hendrix added a 1-yard touchdown run and finished with a season-high 37 rushing yards. Receiver Aakiel Greer scored on a 30-yard touchdown catch on the game’s opening play.
Edwards’ two interceptions and touchdown return highlighted a strong defensive effort. All three starting defensive backs recorded pass breakups. Eugene Ford and Machiach Lee each added tackles and a pass breakup, and Lee intercepted a pass to close out the game. The defensive line, led by Isaiah Pedack, Michael Badejo, Abu Bangura and Donte Reed, generated consistent pressure on Bombers quarterback Rudy Johnson.
Head coach J.R. Wells said the team’s response to adversity was a reflection of its unity.
“The guys came in, faced adversity in this one,” Wells said. “We have a bond and brotherhood that you can’t buy. Our guys play and train hard for each other every week.”
Wells also praised Edwards, calling him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
“Byron Edwards is establishing himself as a defensive player of the year candidate,” Wells said. “He competes in every game, and we’re lucky to have a guy like him leading the way and being a captain.”
Wells credited Magalei’s steady improvement and leadership.
“Jaiave has come in each and every week, working and getting stronger,” Wells said. “He is a true leader, he stands and delivers when we need him.”
Williams has been a consistent force for the Wolfpacks this season.
“Deshon has been a monster from the moment he came,” Wells said. “He’s been a force on the field making plays for us. He’s there, he makes plays, he goes to work each and every day. I cannot say enough about him as a leader. He lets his play do the talking and leads by example.”
Wolfpacks improved to 4-1 since starting the season 0-3. The team hosts its rival Oregon Lightning on Saturday, June 20, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. The game is 90 percent sold out—GET TICKETS HERE!
Washington Wolfpack will monitor the Monsters’ Week 11 game against the Michigan Arsenal. An Arsenal win would create a tie between Washington and Minnesota for the No. 4 seed and home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The teams are scheduled to meet in Minnesota in Week 14.
Author: Washington Wolfpack
