DULUTH, Minn. [JUSTIN MARK] — The Minnesota Monsters used a dominant second-half defense to defeat the Washington Wolfpack 56-42 on Saturday at Amsoil Arena.
Minnesota led 29-20 at halftime but scored the first 21 points of the third quarter and limited Washington to 20 points after intermission. The Monsters improved to 7-4, while the Wolfpack dropped to 5-7.
Washington stayed close through the first half but could not recover after Minnesota’s defense forced a kickoff fumble that was returned for a touchdown early in the third quarter. The Monsters followed with a long touchdown pass to Jarvai Flowers and extended their run to 21 unanswered points. Washington answered with a blocked extra-point return for two points but trailed by double digits the rest of the way.
Washington quarterback Andrew McBride, making his first start for the team, completed 15 of 34 passes for 163 yards and five touchdowns. He also scored on a rushing play but threw an interception in the fourth quarter during a late comeback attempt. Rookie receiver Brandon Lombana had the best game of his career, catching three passes for a career-high 61 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard catch-and-run score late in the game.
Minnesota’s Jarvai Flowers led all receivers with six catches for 99 yards and three touchdowns. Claude Davis added three rushing touchdowns for the Monsters.
Washington’s Eugene Ford had six tackles, one interception and returned a blocked extra point for two points. The Wolfpack defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on Minnesota quarterback Javonte Johnson.
After the game, Washington head coach J.R. Wells said the team’s unity will be important moving forward.
“The belief and bond in each other is going to make a difference for us if we get back to the playoffs,” Wells said. He also praised Lombana’s development, saying the rookie is “finding his way, and he’s going to be explosive and trust himself and his speed.”
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.
Author: Washington Wolfpack
