Washington Wolfpack coach JR Wells watches play during the Wolfpack’s 47-40 loss to the Oregon Blackbears on Saturday in Salem, Ore. (Photo courtesy of the Washington Wolfpack)

Washington Wolfpack coach JR Wells watches play during the Wolfpack’s 47-40 loss to the Oregon Blackbears on Saturday in Salem, Ore. (Photo courtesy of the Washington Wolfpack)

Wolfpack drop inaugural game to Blackbears

Washington, the new Everett-based Arena Football League team, falls 47-40 to Oregon in its opener.

SALEM, Ore. — The Washington Wolfpack made their debut Saturday evening. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack it wasn’t a winning one.

Everett’s newest indoor football team lost its first-ever Arena Football League game, falling 47-40 in a barn burner against the Oregon Blackbears on Saturday evening at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.

Washington trailed 45-32 in the fourth quarter when quarterback Jacob Ta’ase scrambled before throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Fahey to pull the Wolfpack within one score. Washington then got a late interception to get the ball back with a chance to tie or win it, but a desperation heave on fourth down was intercepted to effectively end the game.

Ta’ase finished with four passing touchdowns and two rushing TDs. Vincent Wilkerson, JR Nelson and Xavier Crawford also caught touchdown passes for Washington.

Connor Kaigi threw five TD passes and ran for a sixth to lead Oregon.

The Wolfpack return to Everett this week for their first ever home game, when they host the Rapid City Marshals and 3 p.m. Sunday at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Mill Creek Little League softball players listen to former players talk about their experiences at regionals before the start of their practice on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek Little League softball all-stars win state

The team will open the regional tournament in San Bernardino, Calif. on Saturday.

Storm suffocates Valkyries late to knock off rivals

The Storm allowed just six points in the final six minutes to defeat Golden State 67-58.

Caitlin Clark to miss WNBA All-Star Game after injury

Caitlin Clark is sitting out of the WNBA All-Star Game festivities. The… Continue reading

Chiefs’ Rice sentenced in 2024 crash, NFL suspension looms

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to five years… Continue reading

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the NBA's board of governors at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
NBA to conduct ‘in-depth analysis’ of possible expansion

The owners do not have timetable for potential return of Sonics

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practices at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on May 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks draft pick at the center of NFL contract intrigue

Nick Emmanwori is poised to be dynamic. Right away. He’s on his… Continue reading

Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting three home runs in the swing-off to decide the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
MLB All-Star Game features a first-of-its-kind finish

Technically, by the time the clock hit midnight here in… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh called his shot years ago. In a childhood video spreading… Continue reading

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Portland Fire unveil name, branding as WNBA’s 15th team

A flame is being reignited for Portland’s new WNBA franchise. On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.