DULUTH [Justin Mark] — The Minnesota Monsters defeated the Washington Wolfpack 48-32 on Sunday in the first round of the Arena Football One playoffs, overcoming travel delays that left six Washington players unavailable until late in the second quarter.
Washington (5-7), the No. 6 seed, made its first playoff appearance in franchise history. Minnesota (8-4), the No. 3 seed, advanced to face the Albany Firebirds next weekend.
Six Wolfpack players — Donyai Dixon, Tywonn Buckley, Undra Hendrix, Andrew Boyle, Andrew McBride and Tyler Stephens — did not arrive until near halftime after flight delays caused by FAA system issues and weather. Minnesota agreed to delay the start by one hour, but the players still entered after the second quarter. Washington was also without receiver Deshon Williams (broken foot).
Minnesota took a 13-0 lead after its first touchdown when the ensuing kickoff bounced off the rebound net, was recovered by the Monsters and returned for a score. Eugene Ford intercepted Minnesota quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson to prevent another early touchdown, but Minnesota still led 29-12 at halftime.
Johnson threw a touchdown pass to LeDarian McCalister to open the second half and make it 36-12. Washington responded when Jaiave Magalei connected with Stephens on a 40-yard pass and a subsequent 5-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 36-19. Magalei later found Brandon Lombana for a touchdown to make it 36-26 before Minnesota pulled away.
Final score
Washington Wolfpack 32, Minnesota Monsters 48
Stat leaders
- Passing: Jaiave Magalei (Washington), 20 of 41, 191 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Receiving: Tyler Stephens (Washington), 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 touchdown
- Rushing: Freddie Booth-Lloyd (Washington), 2 carries, 8 yards, 1 touchdown
- Defense: Chei Hill (Minnesota), 2 sacks, 1 safety
Notable performances
Ja’Vonte Johnson (Minnesota): 12 of 25, 138 yards, 6 touchdowns Javari Flowers (Minnesota): 3 catches, 68 yards, 2 touchdowns Brandon Lombana (Washington): 7 catches, 53 yards, 1 touchdown
Coach JR Wells addressed the travel issues after the game. “I’m not going to make excuses. This whole week and through the bye week we actually prepared to have other guys playing multiple positions. Coach D-Millie and I had them play all three phases, and we wanted to have them experience that. We’re in a position where adversity strikes. Believe in yourself and your guys and your ability.”
On Magalei, who played through a broken wrist, a previously separated shoulder and facial bleeding from late hits: “It’s nothing that people don’t always see, but he’s a lion. He’s ruthless. He’s one of those guys you’ve got to have on the team. He’s the standard. Shot after shot, he was taken with a broken wrist. Bleeding from the face and still saying ‘Alright coach, let’s go next play,’ you can’t teach that.”
Washington finished its third season under Wells with a franchise-record five regular-season wins, a franchise-record 79 points in a road win over Oregon, and its first playoff berth.
Author: Washington Wolfpack
