In a hard-fought Week 5 clash at the Alamodome, the Tampa Bay Bandits overcame a rocky start to secure a 21-10 victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers, improving their record to 4-1 on the season. The game began inauspiciously for Tampa Bay, as quarterback John Reaves threw an interception early in the first quarter that was returned 48 yards for a touchdown by Charles Armstead, giving the Gunslingers an early 7-0 lead. San Antonio’s defense continued to put pressure on Reaves throughout the first half, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping the Bandits’ offense at bay.
Despite the early setbacks, the Bandits’ offense found its rhythm in the second quarter. Reaves connected with Larry Brodsky for a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. Though San Antonio managed to regain the lead briefly with a 20-yard field goal by Nick Mike-Mayer, Tampa Bay quickly responded in the third quarter. Reaves found his favorite target, Eric Truvillion, for a 19-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bandits ahead 14-10. Truvillion, who finished with 103 receiving yards on seven catches, was named the game’s MVP for his crucial performance.
Tampa Bay sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with a meticulous 16-play, 71-yard drive that consumed over eight minutes of the clock. Reaves capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Brodsky, his second scoring connection of the day. The Bandits’ defense held firm, allowing just 188 total yards and forcing two interceptions off San Antonio quarterback Rick Neuheisel. The Gunslingers, now 2-3, struggled to generate offense and were unable to overcome Tampa Bay’s dominant second-half performance.
