Outlaws Dominate Washington on the Road in AFL Action
By Mitch Bohn, Montana Correspondent
Note: Game took place on May 5, 2024
The Outlaws hit the road on Sunday, May 5, and secured a dominant 49-12 victory against the Washington Wolfpack, improving their record to 2-0 for the season and 1-0 in Division play. Their next game is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at 6:30 PM, where they will face the Rapid City Marshals at Summit Arena in Rapid City, South Dakota.
This win brought the Outlaws to a 2-0 standing, while the Wolfpack fell to 0-2.
The Billings Outlaws in a 2024 AFL game (Photo: Bohn)
Despite the final score indicating a blowout, the Outlaws' early performance wasn't as commanding. Billings quarterback Issac Harker started strong with a 38-yard touchdown on the first play, but Washington quarterback Jacob Ta’ase quickly responded with a 32-yard touchdown pass. However, Washington's missed field goal put them behind 7-6 early in the game.
Harker then threw another touchdown pass, set up by a spectacular catch over the sideline wall, but the Wolfpack answered early in the second quarter with a touchdown run by fullback Jayson Jackson.
Early in the game, both teams’ offensive lines played well, but a sack on Ta’ase caused the Wolfpack's offense to falter, while the Outlaws' offense found its rhythm. They utilized short screens and motions to create long completions, leading to a 27-12 halftime lead after a hail-Mary interception ended the half.
The Outlaws' dominance continued in the second half, shutting out the Wolfpack and scoring 22 unanswered points. Although the Wolfpack moved the chains early in the third quarter, penalties and a turnover led to another Outlaws touchdown. Trailing 33-12, Washington committed more penalties, struggling to keep up with the Outlaws' relentless scoring.
Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett (Photo: Wolfpack)
Harker connected with Karonce Higgins for another touchdown, extending the lead to 43-12 with 3:22 left in the third quarter. On the next drive, the Wolfpack's offense stumbled with a sack and failed pass attempts, leading to another Harker-to-Higgins touchdown, sealing the game at 49-12.
The Outlaws controlled the remainder of the game, running out the clock. In Week 3, they will play the Rapid City Marshals on Saturday, May 11, at 8:30 PM EST. The Washington Wolfpack will face the West Texas Desert Hawks in Everett, Washington, at 3:30 PM EST.
