USFL : Lewis and Showboats Get Past Bulls, 24-14

Quarterback Walter Lewis brought the Memphis Showboats alive in the second half, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another, to pound out a 24-14 victory over the Jacksonville Bulls before a crowd of 40,112 Monday night.

Lewis, on the first series following halftime, used five plays to move the Showboats 81 yards for their first score, a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Greg Moser.

The touchdown, which tied the score at 7-7, was set up by a 37-yard run down the right side by Leonard Williams.

The Showboats capitalized on two Jacksonville fumbles in the third quarter to set up their second and third scores.

Nose tackle Paul Hanna grabbed a fumble by Bulls quarterback Buck Belue on the Jacksonville four, and Lewis scored on the next play with a run around left end.

On the ensuing kickoff, return specialist Reggie Butts’ fumble was recovered by Showboat defensive back Doran Major at the 25. Five plays later, Lewis scored on a one-yard plunge.

Lewis connected with tight end Mark Raugh on a 50-yard pass play in the fourth period to set up a 24-yard field goal by Alan Duncan to give the Showboats a 24-14 lead.

Belue, in his first professional start, put together a six-play, 46-yard drive in the second quarter.

Mike Rozier, the 1983 Heisman Trophy winner from Nebraska, broke several tackles and ran 11 yards up the middle, then Brian Franco kicked the extra point to give the Bulls a 7-0 lead with 6:10 remaining in the half.

Early in the final period, Belue threw a two-yard touchdown pass to split end Aubrey Matthews.

Memphis is 2-0, while the Bulls dropped to 1-1.