Northwest Dominates Walter Johnson 41-6 Behind Explosive Offense and Lockdown Defense

October 19, 2025 – By Elijah Goodman. Photos by Elijah Goodman Photography

An explosive offensive performance and a suffocating defense by the Northwest Jaguars powered them to a 41-6 home victory over the injury-riddled Walter Johnson Wildcats in Week 6.

Heading into the matchup, many expected a clash between Northwest’s dominant run game and Walter Johnson’s aerial attack, but Northwest seemingly stole the Wildcats’ passing ability for themselves and picked apart the Walter Johnson defense in both ways. The Wildcats’ offense on the other hand, struggled to get anything going throughout the game.

On the opening drive, the Jaguars showed great composure, marching down the field before senior quarterback Jayden Nelson capped it off with a four-yard touchdown scramble.

Walter Johnson entered the game without several key players (including top receivers Calvin Johnson and Corey Dooren, as well as running back John Laird) losses that proved significant as the night went on.

The Jaguar defense struck early, intercepting the second pass attempt of the game. Defensive back Isaiah Babcock took it all the way to the end zone before a penalty brought the play back, but the Northwest offense finished the job soon after to close the first quarter up two touchdowns.

Walter Johnson briefly showed signs of life after recovering a fumble on defense. Quarterback Jake Forburger stunned the crowd with a 32-yard touchdown strike to a wide-open Zaph Abbey off an audible, giving the Wildcats their lone score of the game.

After a botched field goal by Northwest and a quick Wildcat punt, Vanderbilt commit Chris Tangelo hauled in a 38-yard reception to set up another short touchdown run by Nelson, putting the Jaguars ahead 20-6 at halftime.

The Nelson-Tangelo connection continued to shine in the second half, this time linking up for a 60-yard bomb to extend the lead (see this full clip on our YouTube)

A strong kickoff return by Brendon Kelly briefly gave Walter Johnson good field position, but the Jaguars’ defense, led by Aaron Rivers, forced another fumble to snuff out the drive.

Forburger tried to will the Wildcats forward, lowering his shoulder on multiple quarterback keepers, but the Northwest defense held firm, preventing any further damage.

Walter Johnson (now 2-5) looks to bounce back in their Homecoming matchup against Whitman this Friday. Northwest, meanwhile, will face a major test against reigning Maryland 4A state champion Quince Orchard, who ride a 20-game winning streak – their last loss coming at the hands of Northwest in the 2023 regional semifinals.

See the full video of the Nelson-Tangelo 60 yard touchdown below

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