Bandits Dominate Warbirds 65–18 Behind Record Offensive Outburst

May 9, 2026 • Tyson Events Center • Sioux City, Iowa
Final Score: Sioux City Bandits 65, Amarillo Warbirds 18
Records: Bandits (5–2), Warbirds (1–7)

The Sioux City Bandits delivered one of their most complete performances of the season Saturday night, overwhelming the Amarillo Warbirds 65–18 in front of the home crowd at the Tyson Events Center.

Behind six touchdown passes from quarterback Lorenzo Brown and a balanced defensive effort that forced turnovers all night, Sioux City controlled the game from the opening drive and never looked back.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The Bandits wasted no time establishing momentum.

Running back Jeff Mack II opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run at the 1:51 mark of the first quarter, capping a short 3-play drive. Moments later, Brown connected with Brandon Sheperd on a 23-yard touchdown strike to give Sioux City a 14–0 lead before the quarter ended.

By halftime, the Bandits had already built a commanding 28–6 advantage, fueled by efficient offense and multiple defensive takeaways.

Brown & Sheperd Shine

Brown was nearly flawless, completing 16 of 19 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Sheperd was the primary beneficiary, hauling in 9 receptions for 141 yards and five touchdowns, consistently finding space in the Warbirds’ secondary. His scoring catches came from distances of 23, 13, 3, 14, and 15 yards.

Other receiving touchdowns included:

• Verlon Reed (6 yards)

Sioux City finished with 288 total yards, averaging 7.0 yards per play, while converting 5 of 8 third downs and scoring on 5 of 6 red-zone opportunities.

Defense Forces Turnovers

The Bandits defense created havoc throughout the game, finishing with:

• 3 interceptions
• 2 sacks
• Multiple fumble recoveries
• 28 points off turnovers

Defensive backs Marzion Cosby (2 interceptions) and Carlton Watkins (1 interception returned 20 yards) led the takeaway effort. The unit consistently flipped field position and limited Amarillo to just 97 total yards.

Sioux City also recorded a team safety in the third quarter, extending the lead to 37–6 at that point.

Second-Half Surge

The Bandits continued to pour it on in the third quarter, scoring three touchdowns and a safety to extend the lead to 44–6 entering the fourth.

Sioux City added four more touchdowns in the final period, including another scoring connection between Brown and Sheperd, before giving way to reserves late.

Warbirds’ Effort

Amarillo showed flashes late in the game.

Quarterback Demry Croft entered in relief and provided two fourth-quarter touchdowns — a 6-yard run and a 23-yard touchdown pass to Shaquan Curenton — helping the Warbirds close the final margin.

Defensively, Frankie Solomon Jr. scored on a 14-yard fumble return in the second quarter, accounting for one of Amarillo’s highlights.

However, turnovers and red-zone struggles proved costly as the Warbirds finished 1-of-9 on third down and committed three turnovers.

Key Team Statistics

Total Offense:
Sioux City – 288 yards
Amarillo – 97 yards

Passing Yards:
Sioux City – 229
Amarillo – 58

Turnovers:
Sioux City – 1
Amarillo – 5

Time of Possession:
Sioux City – 32:48
Amarillo – 27:07

Looking Ahead

With the win, the Bandits improve to 5–2 and continue their push near the top of the league standings.

Next up, Sioux City hosts the Omaha Beef in what will mark the 57th meeting between the two rivals.