The Oakland Invaders secured a thrilling 28-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits in a closely contested Week 10 matchup. Oakland’s defense set the tone in the second quarter with a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown by Vito McKeever, giving the Invaders a 14-7 lead. Oakland quarterback Craig Sundberg contributed with two touchdown passes, including a 21-yard strike to Gordon Banks, and a key third-quarter drive led by running back John Williams’ 10-yard rushing touchdown. The Invaders built a 28-10 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Tampa Bay struggled offensively early on, only managing a field goal and a touchdown pass from John Reaves through three quarters. However, the Bandits rallied in the final quarter as Reaves connected with Spencer Jackson on a 4-yard touchdown pass and later found Eric Truvillion for a 6-yard score, narrowing the gap to 28-25 with just over two minutes left. Despite Tampa Bay’s late surge, the Invaders’ defense held firm, preventing further scoring threats in the game’s final moments.
The win moved Oakland to 5-5 on the season, while Tampa Bay fell to 8-2, snapping their winning streak. Craig Sundberg’s efficient 13-of-19 passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns earned him MVP honors, while Oakland’s rushing attack, which amassed 174 yards, played a pivotal role in controlling the clock and keeping Tampa Bay at bay.
