By Taylor Holley
Photos By Don Bok

STATS

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Daytona Beach Thunder just could not get anything going offensively as they lost to the Oceola Ghostriders, 57-31 Sunday afternoon.

The loss came within two points of tying a franchise low, 29 points, set last season against the Raleigh Rebels.

The Thunder scored first on a one yard run by Bo Bartik, but that was the only bright spot of the night. The Ghostriders (2-1) responded with three straight touchdowns and never looked back.

The game was also marred by 30 penalties -- 16 by the Thunder and 14 for the Ghostriders, whose yellow flags took ten points off the scoreboard.

Despite glimpses of hope with defensive stops, the Thunder never could overcome a 28-14 halftime deficit.

" Every time we would start moving the ball, we would throw an interception or drop a critical pass," coach Leon Bright said.

Bartik, the league’s leading passer struggled with a hamstring injury. Bartik was 10 for 26 for 168 yards along with three touchdowns and interceptions. His passing average for the season is 227 yards.

"I wasn’t making good decisions tonight, my injury was in the back of my mind, but that is no excuse for a loss," Bartik said.

This was the Thunder's first game since the death of defensive back Javan Camon Feb. 26.
 
The loss brings Daytona Beach’s record to 0-3, and now the Thunder find themselves in the cellar of the World Indoor Football League. 

" Everything is a must win now, we need to show these younger players what it feels like to win a game," Bright said.

Brandon Sumner threw for 222 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for two more for the Ghostriders.

The Thunder will get another shot to get their first win of the season against Augusta on at home March 31.. Last time they met they lost 49-47.Two of Bartik's touchdowns went to Cory McKinney (3 catches for 78 yards) and one to Clinton Crump (4-44).

A crowd of 1,142 were on hand to see the action at Silver Spurs Arena.