Thundercats open 2016 season with win over Bayriders

The Thundercats turned on the afterburners in the 2nd half en route to a convincing 42-20 season opening victory over the Delmarva Bayriders.

Delmarva (0-1), the runner-up last season as they fell in the MIFL Championship game, opened the game with a long kick return deep into Thundercat territory, but just 2 plays later Thundercats LB Nick Mullin forced a fumble recovered by DL Brenden Twilley and ended the threat.  This would be the theme for the day as the Thundercats defense was dominant, only giving up 1 offensive touchdown to the Bayriders on the day.  Constant pressure from the defensive line and linebackers led to numerous sacks by DE Myke Bouie and LB Nick Mays, among others. The "No Fly Zone" secondary did what they do best. DB's Daniel Powell, Howard Leslie, and Donyea Green completely shut down the Delmarva passing game.

Conversely, after a slow start, the Thundercats offense had their way from the second quarter on. Rookie FB Zauhn Lewis (32 yds) scored twice on the day.  Mr. 6, WR Ray McCarter Jr.(4 rec, 100 yds), reached the endzone twice as well, on passes of 14 yds and 40 yds, from QB Joe Urso.  Urso also added a rushing TD himself.  The offensive line of the Thundercats was dominant as linemen Broderick Walker, Dennis Cooper, and Julius Carey opened holes in the running game and protected their quarterback en route to a zero sack performance.

Last but not least, the Special Teams got in on the act with return man Derek Dixon taking a kickoff 45 yds to the house for another score.

All in all, another solid performance by the Thundercats as they won their first game in their new league.  New league...same result...a Thundercats win!