In a week that had every single AF1 team in action, only two of the four games were really competitive. The Firebirds reminded the league that they play one speed: Dominant. The Kats continued their climb. Salina humbled Billings. And frankly, the Tritons brought more excitement to the league with their off field drama than they mustered up for their game with Albany. More on that later.
Before we get to the game by game recap let’s lay out this week’s Power Rankings and pose one overarching question for each team.
- Albany- Have we reached the point where Albany’s too good?
- Nashville- Undefeated in the Kulka Era, how high can the Kats climb?
- Billings- How does Billings lose to Salina?
- SW Kansas- Can the Storm find enough consistency to push into the upper echelons of the AF1?
- Salina- Two in a row. Is Salina becoming a mid-season juggernaut?
- Washington- Will Washington use their win over Oregon to springboard themselves to the middle?
- Oregon- How many games does Chuck Jones’ squad need to lose to be renamed “Practice Squad”?
- Corpus Christi- Will the Tritons exist come Week Nine? Corpus Christi moves to the bottom of the power rankings because if you don’t have a full roster and most of your players refuse to play for you… don’t know how successful you can be in a team sport.
Liberty Shock the Outlaws
The Liberty rolled into Billings on Friday hot off of their first win of the season over the 1-5 Oregon Lightning. There was no way they could know that they were playing Billings at just the right time.
The two teams seemed to be meeting each other going opposite directions on Momentum Mountain. Billings had just spent two weeks being taken to the woodshed by Albany and watching Coach Walker and company you could almost see their crisis of confidence against Salina.
Salina beat Billings by six and has moved themselves into the middle of the AF1 pack. Let’s get into the details of how they made this little miracle happen.
Salina Wins Second in a Row
Standings Ranking- Sixth
Previous Power Ranking- Eighth
NEW Power Ranking- Fifth
With their win, Salina jumps to Fifth this week in our Power Rankings. They leapfrog the crumbling Tritons, the bungling Lightning and also Washington. They get by the Wolfpack for two reasons; One, with their win over Billings, Salina’s beaten more impressive competition. And two, they just look better.
They aren’t playing perfect football, no, but there’s a grace and a flow to how they’ve progressed the last two weeks.
Salina hit us with a surprise right out of the gate on Friday. Despite being led to their FIRST win of the season last week by newcomer Rakeem “The Dream” Cato, they went back to starter Javin Kilgo. Why? Where is Rakeem Cato?
We wouldn’t find out until after the game that Cato had actually hurt his shoulder in the pre-game warmup.
Ready or not, Kilgo was again their man and to his credit, the young man rose to the occasion. He threw 12-21 with one touchdown pass. He rushed for 17 yards and only threw one pick which of course isn’t as impressive as zero. However when you consider that Kilgo came into the game leading the league with 11 interceptions, one’s pretty good.
He did what the Liberty needed him to do. Kilgo kept the Outlaws defense honest in the air while allowing Salina to really put Tracy Brooks and the Liberty running game to work. Brooks finished the game with 12 carries and four touchdowns on the ground.
The Outlaws also helped Kilgo out a lot with their own turnover issues which we’ll touch on shortly.
Coach O’Neal and company also got a lot of assists from their Special Teams, specifically new kicker Bailey Hale, who was officially added to the roster the day before the contest against Billings.
Hale scored 13 of the Liberty’s 43 points. He went two for three in Field Goals, a perfect five for five in PAT’s and even kicked one Deuce.
This was easily the best all around game the Liberty played this season. With the addition of Hale and Coach O’Neal finding the best way to balance Brooks and Kilgo, Salina could make a push.
Billings Drops Third in a Row
Standings Ranking- Fifth
Previous Power Ranking- Second
NEW Power Ranking- Third
I’m not prepared to overreact and say Billings is in freefall, but they just lost their third game in a row and to the second worst team in the league. For Week Eight they’ll play the Storm, who are not the second worst team in the league.
I don’t know Coach Cedric Walker but it doesn’t take a lot of Googling to see that he’s a good coach and a respected defensive mind. Billings won the Arenabowl last season, which actually brings me to my favorite anecdote regarding their loss to Salina.
During halftime, ViceTV showed some brief clips of Billings enjoying their Ring Ceremony before the game. Coach Walker hoisted the trophy for their cheering home fans to admire. All smiles and laughs. They won a title. They should be all smiles and laughs. But… Coach Walker and Billings’ decision to have this ceremony against Salina did not bring a smile to Tracy Brooks’ face. Brooks took offense. He was not going to just stand by and let Billings rub their success in Salina’s face. As I said above, after watching his opponents celebrate victories and the success of yesteryear, Brooks took four touchdowns to the house.
Despite his lack of success against Albany, Coach Walker stuck with Danny Southwick at QB. Braden Wingle, who led the Outlaws to their only two wins of the season and who’s ranked second amongst the league’s starting QB’s in completion percentage, didn’t even see the field in the loss to Salina.
Southwick had a busy night. He threw 20-39 with three touchdown passes and three picks, including one in the end zone on what would have been the game tying drive.
Going into Week Eight, there’s been no word on whether or not Walker will still stick with Southwick. Billings has however had a bit of roster turnover. They’ve cut at least six players including Fullback Keith Nemasango who’s been picking up the slack left by the Shawn McFarland injury in the backfield. There’s still no update on McFarland.
They’ve added a handful of veterans on both sides of the ball. Most notably wide receiver Darius Prince and defensive back Dwayne Hollis, two of the eight players recently released by the Corpus Christi Tritons amidst their ongoing payroll turmoil.
Just a reminder Prince has scored seven touchdowns this season and Hollis has made 16 tackles. These are incredibly valuable additions.
It’ll probably take more than a week to see the effects of adding these two but once they are fully integrated into the Outlaws game plan, you can count on them making a real impact.
Just so we continue to give Kickers credit where kicker credit is due, let’s give a shoutout to Outlaws kicker Dean Faithful, who finished the game five for five in PAT’s and one Deuce, which for you mathematicians means he accounted for seven of the Outlaws 37 points.
Billings will have their shot at vengeance on May 24 when they travel to Kansas to face the Liberty at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.
For Week Eight, the Outlaws will make their way to Dodge City, Kansas to take on the SW Kansas Storm on Saturday, May 3.
On Sunday, May 4, Salina will head north to face the undefeated Albany Firebirds.
Wolfpack Feast on Lightning
Despite this being my first season covering Arena Football, it is not my first season as a devout sports fan. Because of that, I can say that one thing that drives me nuts as a sports fan is when a coach seems to refuse to face a problem or a challenge. They just stare at it and hope that it will magically get better. They change nothing.
I sometimes wonder if that’s Coach Chuck Jones’ coaching philosophy, “Change Nothing.”
Let’s get into the details that made this one of the most difficult games to watch all season.
Wolfpack Notch Second Win
Standings Ranking- Seventh
Previous Power Ranking- Seventh
NEW Power Ranking- Sixth
In the Power Rankings, Washington moves from Seventh to Sixth with their win over Oregon. Washington couldn’t have timed their contest with Oregon better. Oregon has become a team that other teams can warm up with.
This week, Quarterback Adam Kruse returned to the lineup after leaving the Wolfpack’s Week Two contest against Oregon with an injury.
He threw three touchdowns and then the Washington defense did the rest of the work.
Washington’s defense spent the first three quarters of the game capitalizing on and taking advantage of every mistake made by the Lightning offense.
These mistakes included:
- On the first play of the game Oregon QB Dalton Cole fumbled a bad snap in the endzone.
- Cole threw one pick to Wolfpack defensive back Machiah Lee in the endzone. Lee returned the pick for 40 yards to give the Washington offense amazing field position.
- Cole chased down another bad snap for a 20 yard loss.
- A high snap and lack of protection led to Cole being sacked for a ten yard loss.
- As Cole was again about to be sacked in the endzone he tried to shovel pass to an ineligible receiver. The flag resulted in a safety being awarded to Washington.
- In what seemed to be a designed QB bootleg, Wolfpack D-lineman Chei Hill got through the Oregon protection untouched, caught up to Cole in four steps and forced another incomplete pass. The decision to run this bootleg to a side that would leave Hill unblocked is insane. He’s incredibly fast and it doesn’t take pro level scouting to see it. He regularly, including in this game, plays fullback for Washington.
- Coming out of the half, Oregon was still struggling to get things moving in the right direction. Their local play-by-play guy said, “I don’t know what adjustments were made in the half. If any.”
- In a third quarter drive, Cole was sacked in two consecutive plays, thew an incomplete pass and then threw a pick six to Washington defensive back Caleb Brown.
Washington had a 41-8 lead going into the fourth. They then stopped trying and allowed Oregon to feel good about themselves for the final 15 minutes.
Washington played a fine first three quarters of football.
I was skeptical at first but Kruse is definitely an upgrade at QB. Playing a team like Oregon allows us to see all of Washington’s weapons shine. That being said I still don’t know if I see them cracking the top six this season.
We’ll have to wait and see what Corpus Christi can salvage from their season.
Washington Allows Lightning Rally
Standings Ranking- Eighth
Previous Power Ranking- Sixth
NEW Power Ranking- Seventh
Despite being absolutely throttled this week, Oregon moves up one ranking due to the crumbling infrastructure of the Tritons.
This game was not as close as it looks and I don’t mean this to be rude, but I think it’s important that Oregon doesn’t feel good about their push in the fourth quarter. Washington just stopped trying.
Oregon backup QB Jordan Ambrose did come in and put up some impressive rushing numbers. His first play from scrimmage in the fourth, he kept it and took it all the way in for a touchdown.
Honestly, if Coach Chuck Jones decides to give up on the passing game and shift entirely to a running offense, Ambrose might be a viable option. Maybe he and Cole can switch back and forth? Oh! Idea!
In the 90’s Georgia Tech became famous for running a Wishbone offense, also called the Triple Option or Veer. They’d have to make some adjustments to the recipe just because they don’t have enough players on the field to have four guys in the backfield at all time but Cole is an excellent running threat. Cole and Ambrose together in the backfield would force the defense to watch for the run going either way. You could put fullback Cedric Maxwell back there as well and that’s your Arena Wishbone.
They’ll still need to fix the fact that Oregon can’t seem to cleanly snap the ball. After they do that though… the world is their oyster.
Washington and Oregon will finish up this incredibly low stakes Home and Home series next week in Everett, Washington.
Who will be the Top of the Bottom of the AF1? Find out here next week on ViceTV’s Game of the Week.
Albany Smashes Replacement Tritons
This game was supposed to be a clash of AF1 titans. Unfortunately for fans, Corpus Christi had weeks worth of financial issues come to a head the day of the game when at least six key players refused to suit up.
The Tritons are now facing accusations that they’ve failed to pay players and that they used replacement players in this game with Albany. We’ve covered some of it here on UFL Newshub and I’d invite you to have a look if you’d like more details on this still developing story.
This game ended with Albany annihilating the Tritons 100-12.
Yes. 100-12.
Albany Stands Alone
Standings Ranking- First
Previous Power Ranking- First
NEW Power Ranking- First
I want to commend Albany Coach Damon Ware. Despite absolutely demolishing the Tritons from the opening whistle, the Firebirds kept the game fun for viewers. A big piece of that was the work of Kicker Henry Freaking Nell.
Let’s go through Nell’s work on the night:
- Nell opened this game with a Deuce. Literally the opening kickoff. Two points.
- Nell caught a pass for a Two Point conversion. Two Points.
- Nell kicks another Deuce. Two points.
- Nell dropkicks PAT through the uprights. Did you know that a dropkick on a PAT is worth two points? It is. Two more points.
- Nell kicks another dropkick PAT. Two points.
- Nell kicks another Deuce. Two points.
- Nell kicks another dropkick PAT. Two points.
- Nell kicks another Deuce. Two points.
- Nell kicks another dropkick PAT. Two points.
- Nell kicks another dropkick PAT. Two points.
- Nell hits regular old PAT.
Nell contributed to 24 points for the Firebirds. Twice as many points as the entire Tritons team. I have yet to figure out how to work “Nell in the Coffin” into regular conversation, but I’ll get there. I’ll get there.
Coach Ware pulled starter Sam Castronova after the first drive of the game so backup Robert McCoy Jr could get some run. McCoy had a great day. He went 10-23 passing for 110 yards and seven touchdowns.
One of those passes gave us another THICK SIX with McCoy’s touchdown pass to defensive lineman Jamall Hickbottom.
I also want to give a shout out to Marquel Wade who scored three touchdowns today including one as a kick return.
I know Coach Ware doesn’t need any help from me, but in the future, if it’s clear early in the night that the Firebirds are about to stomp an opponent by an absurd amount, can we maybe put a microphone on a member of Albany’s roster so that the game will kind of have a Harlem Globetrotters feel.
I’d recommend Ezekiel Rose or maybe Henry Nell. Nell’s from South Africa which is a fun accent. He could incorporate more trick plays and maybe bring out someone from the stands to try kicking a PAT.
The Replacement Tritons
Standings Ranking- Third
Previous Power Ranking- Fourth
NEW Power Ranking- Eighth
Week Seven was a disaster for the Tritons’ organization and I’m not sure how much airtime we need to give to this iteration of the team. I would however like to give recognition to three specific players.
Congratulations to Replacement Quarterback Kyle Cool who had a difficult day that included multiple sacks and multiple fumbles and an injury that took him out in the third quarter but I’m sure he will receive an award for the most Quarterbacky Quarterback Name at some point in his life.
Congratulations to Lakeith Murray who played defensive back for the first three quarters of the game and then took over at QB after Cool’s injury. Murray went 8-12 for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He threw zero picks and ran for 16 yards. Great work by Lakeith. Way to step in when what’s left of your team needs you.
And finally congratulations to wide receiver Moe Strong, who after catching a touchdown pass with one minute and 36 seconds left in the third quarter, leapt into the stands and proposed to his girlfriend. Judging from the cheering and smiles, I assume she said yes.
Albany will have an opportunity to either again humiliate Corpus Christi on a historical level or the Tritons will have their shot at redemption on May 24 in Albany.
Next week, Albany will head home and host the Salina Liberty.
Corpus is on a bye until May 12, when some version of their team will travel to Redmond, Oregon to take on the Lightning.
Kats Scratch Out Win Over Storm
While neither are the juggernaut that is Albany, Nashville and SW Kansas are two real contenders in the AF1. With the way Billings has played the last three weeks, the number two spot in the AF1 is up for grabs for either of these teams.
Both teams came in and rose to the occasion. They gave us a great back and forth game that ended with Nashville walking away with a tight 41-37 win.
Another Win and the Rise of Raburn
Standings Ranking- Second
Previous Power Ranking- Third
NEW Power Ranking- Second
In the Kulka era, Nashville’s scheduling has been incredibly fortunate for their development. In Kulka’s first game they played Oregon, a terrific warmup for any new QB. In his second game, Kulka drew Washington which is of course competing with Oregon to stay off of the bottom of the AF1 barrel. Their matchup with the Storm represents a significant step-up in competition for Kulka’s Kats. It’s a real test.
While the Kats only narrowly eked out this win, the thing I found most encouraging is how they made adjustments. In the first quarter they played what was easily the clumsiest football of their now three game winning streak.
The first drive was moving well with Kulka going three for three in passing when running back Robert Jones Jr fumbled in the end zone. During the Storm’s next possession the Kats were flagged for Illegal Contact and Pass Interference. Both penalties awarded first downs to the Storm and kept drives alive.
Nashville actually didn’t even get on the scoreboard until the second quarter when Carlton Brown pounded it up the middle and in.
At this point it was 14-7 Storm.
The Kats took their first lead about six minutes into the second half when Kulka ran in the second “KULKA KEEPER” of the night.
Kulka continues to put up huge numbers for this team. He went 25-38 for 235 yards but only one touchdown pass. He threw zero picks and ran in two “KULKA KEEPERS”.
Other big contributors on the night:
- Antwane Grant with nine receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown catch.
- Jordan Gandy had three catches.
- Milton Williams III had seven catches for 58 yards.
- Robert Jones Jr was all over the place. He caught six passes and ran the ball ten times for one score.
- Kicker Gunner Raborn lived up to his awesome name by going 3-5 in PATs and kicked three deuces meaning he contributed a total of nine points to the victory.
A lot of teams are going to benefit from the Corpus Christi roster purge. Nashville is one of them with their signing of defensive back Isaiah McFarland, who is currently leading the league in interceptions and has notched 19 tackles on the season.
Look for him to make a huge contribution to an already strong secondary in Week Nine.
Storm Fall to Fourth
Standings Ranking- Fourth
Previous Power Ranking- Fifth
NEW Power Ranking- Fourth
When Jalen Morton is good, he is REALLY good. Like why isn’t this guy in the UFL or higher good?
Coming out of college, Morton had brief tenures with the Packers and the Colts. He had a short go in the Canadian Football League and was third string QB for the Birmingham Stallions but never really saw any playing time.
With the Storm, Morton’s had something he’s never really been given at any other level in his professional career: time.
Morton is currently leading the league in the following categories: Total Passing Yards, Passing Yards Per Game, Rushing Yards, Rushing Yards Per Game, and Rushing Touchdowns. He’s second in Touchdown Passes behind only Sam Castronova.
Where the Storm run into problems is when they ask Morton to do too much. He accumulates those stats because in a lot of games, he’s their only weapon. He is second in the league in interceptions.
There are other strong players on the roster. Logan Wright is second in the league in rushing yards, behind only Morton. Demarius Washington is currently tied for second in the league for touchdown catches. Both Charles Hall IV and Shiloh Flanagan have six apiece. So they can score.
Why can’t they put together wins?
I’d like to posit one theory. Maybe Coach Gary Thomas takes too long to pivot when something isn’t working.
Saturday night Morton went 12-34 passing. That means he threw 22 incomplete passes. Meanwhile, Morton ran the ball seven times. Wright ran it six times. Charles Hall ran it twice for 18 yards. It might behoove the Storm to run the ball more when Morton just isn’t connecting with his receivers.
I know Arena Football is a pass first league, but if it’s not working, maybe stop doing it.
Other than Morton’s incredible amount incomplete passes the stat lines for Saturday night looked solid:
- Morton threw three touchdown passes and 115 yards. He also ran one touchdown in.
- Wright ran in one rushing touchdown.
- Washington had two catches and one score.
- Hall had six catches and one score.
- Flanagan had four catches and one score.
- Kicker Dillon Burkhard was 3-3 in PATS and had one Deuce.
This was a good game for the Storm and they’re coming off of handing Corpus Christi their first loss. If the Storm keep trending up they’ll be a real problem for someone come the playoffs.
This is the last time the Storm and the Kats will meet this season.
Nashville will be on a bye for Week Eight, but they’ll hit the road to take on the Albany Firebirds in Week Nine on Saturday, May 10.
SW Kansas will stay home next week and play host to the floundering Billings Outlaws on Saturday, May 3.
Week Eight will feature one Saturday game and two Sunday games. Nashville and Corpus Christi are on a bye.
Will Billings extend their three game losing streak when they travel to face the Storm? Hot off of their win over Billings, will Salina travel north and hand Albany their first loss of the season? Will Coach Chuck Jones find any way to make Oregon at least somewhat watchable against the Wolfpack?
Find out this weekend on Arena Football One.
