The San Diego Strike Force pulled to within seven points of the Cedar Rapids River Kings, then committed turnovers on back-to-back possessions and were never closer than 14 for the rest of the game in a 65- 48 loss Saturday evening.
Derrick Bernard completed 14 of 32 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, both to Julian Stafford, with one interception and ran 33 yards for a fourth-quarter score for the expansion Strike Force (0-3) in an Indoor Football League game in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Strike Force led twice, 7-0 and 10-7, both in the first quarter, but trailed 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, 28-20 at halftime and 48-27 entering the fourth quarter.
The Strike Force was outgained 320 yards to 242 and trailed 28-18 in first downs and 32:45-27:15 in time of possession.
Kurt Palandech completed 13 of 17 passes for 143 yards and five touchdowns for Cedar Rapids (1-2) before a crowd announced at 1,270 at U.S. Cellular Center.
George Moreira ran for two touchdowns and Marcus Rodgers one for the Strike Force, which also got two field goals from Ernesto Lacayo in the first half.
Nathaniel Chavious ran for 75 yards and three touchdowns and Kalif Phillips ran four yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half for the River Kings, who also got a 21-yard field goal from Henry Nell in the fourth quarter.
The Strike Force are scheduled to resume play March 24 by playing host to the Green Bay Blizzard at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
— City News Service
