The tagline on San Bernardino Bucking Bulls website urges you to, “Come run with the Bulls.” Shockwave running back Tyrone Evans was more than happy to oblige, rushing for 4 touchdowns for the second consecutive game leading the way to a 56 – 15 Shockwave victory over San Bernardino on Saturday night. Evans’ touchdowns all came on first half runs of one, 4, 3 and one yard, respectively. He finished with a productive 62 yards on 15 carries.
San Diego continued its domination of their Southland rivals, going to 5 – 0 on the season against LA, Pomona and San Bernardino thus far and 6 – 1 overall. After stopping the Bucking Bulls on their initial drive, the Shockwave got on the scoreboard first at 11:30 of the first quarter when quarterback Matt Pound connected with Deondre Alexander on a 34 yard touchdown pass. John “Auto” Matich’s extra point was good. He converted all 8 PAT opportunities.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Bucking Bulls marched down the field, settling for a 28 yard Jaime Cortez field goal at the 6:05 mark of the first quarter. The Shockwave would start to pull away, on the first of Tyrone Evans’ runs, the first a one yard run at the 4:05 mark of the quarter. Defensive back David Beverly would fall on linebacker Rico Curtis’ blocked field goal in the end zone to make it 21 – 3 at the end of the quarter.
Then Evans went to work, scoring three unanswered touchdowns ending the first half with a commanding 42 – 3 lead.
San Bernardino actually came out kicking in the third quarter, outscoring the Shockwave 12 – 7 to narrow the score to 49 – 15. Quarterback Mark Wilson scored on a one yard sneak and Shin Black recovered a blocked field goal attempt in the Shockwave end zone for a touchdown.
But it was too little too late. The Shockwave added two second half touchdowns when newly signed quarterback Ben Bowling connected with wide receiver Nakoa McElrath twice to win the game going away, 56 – 15.
Overall it was a good effort on both sides of the ball for the Shockwave. Defensive lineman Ricky Leungwai continued his march toward a sack record with 2 more sacks; Wallace Thomas and Andre Reed each added one.
The 6 – 1 first-place Shockwave face another tough road test this next Saturday May 19th, the Tri-Valley Ranchers in Alameda County. “It was a good defensive effort for us against a good team,” said Coach Edwards. “We have another tough road game ahead and there’s some adjustments we’ll make for Tri-Valley. But we’re looking forward to the rematch with Wyoming the week after and continuing our march toward an NIFL championship.”
The Kicking System 