The Surge's All-World wide receiver Eddie Brown fumbled the punt catch, allowing the Thunder to recover the ball at Sacramento's 9-yard line. Two plays later, Mitchell threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Willie Davis in the back of the end zone to increase the lead to 14–3. With the first half winding down and the Surge in a desperate attempt to cut the lead, Archer's pass was intercepted by Thunder cornerback Malcolm Frank at midfield and returned to the Sacramento 9-yard line.
The Surge's wide receiver Eddie Brown dropped a punt, giving the Thunder possession at the Sacramento 9-yard line. Two plays later, Mitchell threw a touchdown pass to Willie Davis, extending the Thunder's lead to 14–3. With time running out in the first half, the Surge attempted to reduce the deficit but Archer's pass was intercepted by Malcolm Frank, returning it to the Sacramento 9-yard line.