Billings Outlaws at Oregon Lightning: Game Recap

With the first full week of games underway, Billings stomped into Oregon to kick off a divisional rival. This game felt like this could be the game of the week, but after the halftime adjustments, the Outlaws ripped open a huge lead.

Cedric Walker led teams have consistently shown why the dominate the arena football game. Having an excellent run game is one of the many differences fans will notice when they watch the Outlaws. Along with disruptive trenches, Billings looked as good as advertised, who poured it on til the final whistle.

For Oregon, there were bright spots. The connection of Dalton Cole and Kris Lewis should be one of the best in the league, even Billings struggled to contain them. The Lightning however had no answers on defense to the Outlaws, which ultimately led to the huge blowout.  

Billings found their Rhythm

Early on Oregon seemed they would be sent home bloody and bruised. However Chuck Jones and the Lightning didn't faulter, battling back multiple times. When the Outlaws would power in a touchdown, Oregon would seamingly would fire right back. Billings managed to march down the field nearly every drive, but Oregon would send missiles to catch right back up. While Billings held the lead through the majority of the game, Oregon continued to fight until halftime. But ultimately, Billings was too much to handle as they dominated this game. Cedric Walker and the Outlaws look like the class of the AF1 offensively. 

Defensively, it took Billings two quarters to really adjust. But after half, the coaching staff clamped down on the Lightning air attack. Between the defensive line causing havoc in the backfield, or making plays in the secondary, Billings gelled, holding Oregon to only 12 points in the second half. The Outlaws took such a commanding gap that the reserves for Billings came in during the fourth quarter. 

Explosive offense

The Outlaws and Lightning had no issues creating points. The game started off with non stop scoring 25-12 in the first quarter and didn't slow down. The second half was no different, sending the teams into half 41-24. In the third, Billings made adjustments and started to pull away, 65-24. Shawn McFarland made an instant impact with three touchdowns in the first half. With a new offensive coordinator on the Outlaws sidelines, fans were unsure if Billings would be a dominate run team this year. It did not take long to find out that the Outlaws will be duel threat team once again. On the other side of the field, Dalton Cole's arm was firing. Cole dropped deep needles into his receivers hands finding Kris Lewis often. 

For Billings, Wingle, McFarland, and Brewer were everything and more. This trio is going to be something special this year. These three allow the Outlaws to be a physical team while also forcing teams to have to defend the deep threat. 

Oregon's Cole, will be dangerous all year. The lefty showed his powerful arm connecting for entire field scores multiple times. Billings is a tough test for anyone, but Cole and company were able to exploit the back end of the defense. When Dalton was able to stand in the pocket and make a deep read, good things happened. The lefty has a cannon to match anyone in the league. To match his rocket arm, Kris Lewis is a flanking speedster that will be gone if opposing defensive backs blink. Throughout the entire game, Cole consistently found Kris Lewis deep. The ball was soaring  all night long in Eugene. 

Shawn McFarland & the OutLaws Offensive Line

Cedric Walker though a bit coy this week when asked if he would employ a heavy run game this year, showed that will be the case. Shawn McFarland was hand the ball early and often. Not just on the goal line but all over the field, in pass and goalie as well. He was hard to miss, the long haired juggernaut of a human stood out nearly every play. After a few drivess, Oregon constantly had to bring an extra defender to stop him. Multiple times Oregon needed 4 players to bring the animal that was McFarland down. Don't be surprised if he is this week's MVP and leads the league in rushing this year. 

The starting offensive line allowed Wingle and McFarland ample time to make things happen. Coach Walker prides himself on having a big, tough, fast offensive and defensive line. The offensive line got consistent push which allowed rush lanes and clean pockets any player in the league would love to be a part of.  It was There was a point in the game where Oregon felt like they were starting to break down the Billings defense, but ultimately, Billings offensive onslaught was too much to handle. 

Lightning in a bottle

It may be hard to find a bright spot for a defense that allowed 78 points, but Nicholas Brassell of the Lightning was just that. He was tasked with handling Kenny Brewer and did well, making multiple plays, and batting down balls. Though he surrendered plays, less due to his fault and more due to the circumstance, he was consistently making plays. Without Brassell, this game may have reached triple digits. By the end of the year, Brassell could become a very popular name in the AF1.

After week 1, Billings moves to 1-0 after thumping Oregon 78-36. With the win, Billings will return to action April 3rd heading out to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Washington Wolfpack . While the Lightning will look to rebound March 22nd, to take on Southwest Kansas Storm. All AF1 games can be caught on EVERGREENNOW each week.