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Thunderbolts running back Antwaun Sherman shreds Bengal defense in workmanlike performance
Shaun Scott
Sometimes stat lines don’t tell the whole story.
The Pierce County Bengals forced five turnovers, recording five interceptions against the visiting Oregon Thunderbolts on July 12 at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner.
But it wasn’t enough for the Bengals to even come close to sniffing a victory. The Bengals (2-3 overall) offense sputtered throughout the contest and the Thunderbolts (4-1 overall) capitalized, earning a 33-0 victory.
The Bengals couldn’t stop Thunderbolts running back Antwaun Sherman who ran rough shot through the Bengals’ defense. Sherman carried the ball 28 times rushing for a game-high 204 yards and one touchdown. Thunderbolts wide receiver Marvin Bronson hauled in two long touchdown passes as well for the visitors from Portland.
“I couldn’t do what I did without my offensive line,” Sherman said. “They busted the holes open for me and allowed me to do what I do. It’s one of my best games I’ve had for this team. Usually I’m a backup, but I got a good chance today. I just ran downhill as hard as I could.”
Bengals free safety Bernard Blosser, who plucked three interceptions in the contest, said Sherman was one of the best running backs he has faced this season.
“He’s a good back and he did a lot of damage to us,” Blosser said. “Losing this game is pretty disappointing. Last year we went down to Portland with only 20 players and beat these guys pretty easily. It hurts to lose like we did today. We just weren’t clicking on defense. We have a lot of new guys and I think that showed.”
Bengals head coach Ron Baines echoed Blosser’s sentiment.
“We didn’t play well but we’ll play better the next time we’re out there,” Ron Baines said. “We didn’t come out ready to play tonight. We were lethargic. I hope this loss doesn’t bleed too bad into the rest of the season.”
In the second quarter, the Bengals lost starting quarterback Anthony Rios to a knee injury after he was sacked by a bevy of Thunderbolts defensive linemen. Bengals wide receiver Jesse Baines got the nod under center after Rios went to the bench.
“Jesse can play quarterback but he’s not a quarterback,” Ron Baines said. “We need him on the outside making plays. The passing game goes through Jesse and Bernard.”
Baines said the Thunderbolts are a team loaded with experience across the board.
“The majority of their team are Portland State alumni,” he said. “Most have four years of college experience. We have the same talent and speed but they have the discipline and know how to stay together as a unit. We’re still learning that right now.”
Blosser thinks this kind of loss might just be what the doctor ordered for his team.
“We’re going to get over this and come back even stronger,” he said. “I’m confident we’ll get there and gel in our upcoming games.”
The Bengals will get an opportunity to redeem themselves against the Snohomish County Vikings at Edmonds District Stadium at 6 p.m. on July 19.