Oregon Strikes Early and Never Looks Back in Dominant Win Over Tritons

The Oregon Lightning wasted no time seizing control on Monday night, electrifying the crowd on the opening drive. Quarterback Cole Johnson connected with Marquis Sampson for a big gain to set up 1st and goal, then called his own number to punch it in and give Oregon a 7–0 lead—less than a minute into the game.

Corpus Christi responded with a short-field score from Fred Payton to Moe Strong, but a missed extra point left the Tritons trailing 7–6. That would be as close as they’d get for the rest of the night.

Aerial Assault: Cole and Company Light Up the Scoreboard

Oregon’s offense turned surgical as the first half unfolded. Johnson distributed the ball with precision, shredding the Tritons’ secondary with touchdown passes of 41, 23, and 6 yards. Known for his deep-ball prowess, Johnson showed off a new layer to his game, working the intermediate and short routes with efficiency and poise.

By halftime, the Lightning had built a commanding lead, and they weren’t done yet. Spreading the ball to multiple targets, Johnson continued his breakout campaign. Kris Lewis hauled in three touchdowns, Marquis Sampson and Maurice Ashley each racked up over 90 yards receiving, and Philip Harding added another score with a 55-yard performance.

This new-look Oregon offense is no longer feast-or-famine—it’s cooking at every level of the field.

Defensive Front Continues to Dominate

The Lightning defense once again proved to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Oregon’s front four smothered Fred Payton with six sacks, including two apiece from linebacker Jerimiah Spicer and lineman Miqueal Pillow-Smiley. Mike Fields and Lovell Spruce also got in on the action, as Oregon’s relentless pressure disrupted Corpus Christi’s rhythm all night.

With multiple fourth-down stops and prime field position handed to the offense, the defense was instrumental in Oregon’s 52–20 statement win.

Corpus Christi Struggles to Keep Pace

Despite a gutsy effort from Fred Payton, who tallied a rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion in the first half, the Tritons offense couldn’t stay in sync. Misfires, mistimed routes, and lack of chemistry plagued their attack.

Payton found some success with new additions Richy Anderson II (4 catches, 40 yards) and Moe Strong (3 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD), but they’ll need time to build more cohesion if the Tritons hope to stay in playoff contention.

Corpus managed to pull within 12 points entering the fourth quarter, but Oregon slammed the door with 20 unanswered points to seal the win.

🔜 What’s Next

The Oregon Lightning (3–5) are heating up at just the right time and look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they welcome the Washington Wolfpack to Portland in Week 10 for another fiery Cascade Clash. Don’t miss it—this rivalry always delivers.

Meanwhile, the Corpus Christi Tritons (3–3) enter their bye week looking to regroup. They’ll hit the road in Week 11 to face the undefeated Albany Firebirds in a high-stakes showdown.

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Let’s ride the lightning, Oregon. The playoff push starts now.