Lightning Strike Big in Statement Win Over Wolfpack, 52-20

REDMOND, OR – The Oregon Lightning surged to their third straight victory Sunday night, dominating the Washington Wolfpack 52-20 at home. After dropping their first two matchups of the season to Washington, Oregon has now won back-to-back games against their regional rivals, evening the season series and moving into strong playoff contention with a 4-5 record.

From the opening whistle, it was all Lightning. Oregon raced out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, controlling every phase of the game en route to one of their most complete performances of the season. With the loss, Washington falls to 2-7 and is facing a steep uphill climb as the postseason approaches.

Game Recap: Lightning Dominate Early and Often

The Lightning set the tone on their opening drive when quarterback Dalton Cole connected with Phillip Harding on a 40-yard touchdown strike just three plays into the game. Oregon’s special teams made their mark on the ensuing Wolfpack possession, blocking a pooch punt to set up a short field. Cole capitalized again, finding Kris Lewis for the second touchdown of the night.

Washington momentarily showed signs of life in the second quarter as quarterback Dom Shoffner rushed in a score to cut the deficit. But Oregon responded immediately, with Cole and Lewis hooking up for a second time, this one a 30-yard touchdown over the top.

Washington tried to switch things up at quarterback, bringing in Adam Kruse, who led a scoring drive of his own. But Oregon quickly reclaimed momentum with a fourth-down touchdown pass to Harding—his second of the half—and would pile on two more scores before the break, including a scoop-and-score defensive touchdown as time expired. The Lightning entered halftime with a commanding 39-14 lead.

Second Half: Oregon Keeps Foot on the Gas

The Lightning defense came out strong after halftime, stalling the Wolfpack’s opening drive and setting up another short field. Cole led a quarterback sneak into the end zone to extend the lead to 45-14. Oregon wasn’t done yet—Maurice Ashley added a receiving touchdown in the third quarter to push the game further out of reach.

Washington’s quarterback carousel continued as Kruse and Shoffner rotated under center, but the Lightning defense held firm. Shoffner added a late rushing touchdown with under a minute to play, but it was too little, too late.

Impact Players

  • Dalton Cole (QB, Oregon): 17-of-27, 220 passing yards, 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD

  • Phillip Harding (WR, Oregon): 7 receptions, 110 yards, 3 TDs (all in the first half)

  • Kris Lewis (WR, Oregon): 2 touchdown receptions, including a 30-yard strike in the second quarter

  • Deshon Williams (WR, Washington): 5 receptions, 52 yards, 0 TDs

What’s Next

The Oregon Lightning will look to keep their momentum alive in a high-stakes road matchup against the 3-3 Nashville Kats on Saturday, May 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET on EvergreenNOW.

Meanwhile, the Washington Wolfpack will try to regroup as they head to Dodge City to take on the 6-3 Southwest Kansas Storm in the VICETV Game of the Week, kicking off at 4:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 25.