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.

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