In a preseason Week 2 matchup featuring a clash of aerial prowess and ground efficiency, the Marauders edged the Falcons 28-24 on the road, led decisively by QB Norman Calhoun’s 414 passing yards and three touchdowns. The victory reflects a striking offensive output from Billings’ visiting team under head coach Alexander Dean, who leaned heavily on passing efficiency in outgaining home-team Falcons 474 yards to 337.

Statistically, the Marauders dictated the pace with 28 completions on 39 attempts, yielding an impressive completion rate of over 71 percent and a gargantuan 11.7 yards per attempt. Notably, Calhoun avoided interceptions while delivering consistent threat deep downfield, highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Carol Grace. Grace also added an unconventional rushing touchdown, showcasing versatile offensive scheming from Dean.

Marauders’ rushing attack was efficient with 60 yards on 18 carries, complemented by three rushing touchdowns shared between running back Shawn Hinderliter (1 TD), Grace (1 TD), and tight end Jeffery Bias (1 TD). Hinderliter’s dual-threat capability—2 rushing yards plus 110 receiving yards—underscored the Marauders’ balanced approach. Receiving leaned heavily on Grady Camp’s 125 yards, with secondary weapons like Grace (76 yards) and Bias (34 yards) contributing to consistent yardage gains.

The Falcons kept pace primarily through wide receiver Paul Ruggerio’s explosive 72-yard receiving touchdown and RB Herbert Kirkland’s all-purpose yards (16 rushing, 22 receiving) and a receiving touchdown. Falcons’ quarterback Chuck Hills amassed 250 yards with two passing touchdowns and no turnovers, but the offense’s overall execution fell short due to a lack of red zone efficiency—Falcons posted zero red zone touchdowns despite multiple scoring trips.

Defensively, Marauders recorded two sacks and recovered a critical fumble early in the contest, providing a momentum swing. Falcons' defense forced no turnovers and allowed a bloated 414 passing yards, indicating areas requiring refinement as the preseason progresses. Neither team converted third downs in this game, a curious anomaly suggesting both defenses stiffened in those key situations or offenses settled for early field goal looks.

Special teams were a mixed bag for Billings. Marauders kicker Gary Murrieta made two field goals from three attempts, while Falcons’ Nathan Hosking was perfect on his lone field goal but did not receive many scoring opportunities. Punting was pivotal late in halves, including multiple punts from Marauders’ Ted McCall that pinned Falcons deep thus limiting their field position.

Despite an early Falcons lead from a 24-yard Hosking field goal, the Marauders flipped the script with multiple successful drives capitalizing through the air and ground. The Falcons’ offense responded with a big 72-yard touchdown pass and an opportunistic goal-line rushing touchdown by Kirkland, but missed opportunities in scoring consistency proved costly.

Alexander Dean’s Marauders demonstrated preseason offensive potency and resilience against Jack Gatling’s Falcons. While the Falcons showed glimpses of explosive playmaking, the Marauders’ more balanced attack and superior yardage accumulation ultimately secured the narrow win. This game serves as an encouraging early data point for the Marauders’ 2066 campaign offensive schemes and personnel deployment.