The Strike Force defeated the Bismarck Bucks 50-36 in their 2020 IFL regular season Week 1 opener in North Dakota on Sunday, March 8.
The Bucks jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter after converting on their opening drive via a three-yard rush by Eric Lauderdale and then a nine-yard rush by quarterback Tasleem Wilson following a failed field goal attempt by the Strike Force. San Diego responded before the end of the quarter after quarterback Michael Carrillo was able to scramble and connect on a shovel pass in the flat to running back Nathaniel Chavious who sprinted up the sideline untouched for a 31-yard score.
The lead swung in the second quarter in favor of the Strike Force after a one-yard touchdown run by Chavious and a 42-yard touchdown pass from Carrillo to Marques Rodgers. The San Diego defense held the Bucks to only field-goal attempts before the half (both missed) before closing out the quarter with the 21-17 lead.
Last year’s IFL Special Teams Player of the Year Marques Rodgers made his touchdown debut for the 2020 season with a second-half kick return for a 45-yard touchdown to retake a 28-24 lead.
After a defensive stop in the end zone via an interception by rookie defensive back Daquawn Brown, San Diego failed to capitalize and fumbled the snap in the end zone resulting in a Bismarck safety. The Bucks added a 40-yard field goal by Cody Barber on their ensuing possession to give Bismarck a one-point advantage at 28-29.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Strike Force went back on top 35-29 after Carrillo found receiver Donta Armstrong on a play-action toss turned 22-yard touchdown pass but Bismarck responded with the longest scoring play in team history as Zuril Hendrick returned a missed field goal by the Strike Force for 50-yards and a score. San Diego went on to score twice to close out the game, first off a 45-yard kick return by Isaiah Bernard and then a six-yard touchdown run by Nathaniel Chavious for the 50-36 victory.
Next Saturday, March 14, the Strike Force will host the Cedar Rapids River Kings at Pechanga Arena San Diego with a 6:05 p.m. kickoff. Tailgate activities will begin at approximately 2 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. Season and group tickets are still on sale for Strike Force home games starting at $12 per ticket. Parking is free on game days. For tickets, call or text the Strike Force at 619-340-1300 or visit sdstrikeforce.com for more information.
