Adversity is just another opponent on the New Castle Thunder’s 2008 North American Football League schedule.

While the defense continued its stellar play, coach Sam Holmes looked to fourth-string quarterback and New Castle High graduate Pat Cain and other reserves to keep the Thunder intact as they captured their third consecutive win.

The No. 1 NAFL1-ranked Thunder (3-0 Steel Valley Division) contained the Ohio Invaders, 37-6, Saturday night at Taggart Stadium. The Invaders, who are based in Perry, Ohio, drop to 1-2 overall and in league play.

“We’re tough,” said Thunder defensive captain Sam Holmes, the coach’s son and a New Castle product. “Week in, week out. We come out (and) play hard, make big plays, get turnovers.

“We bend, but we don’t break.”

Heading into the contest, New Castle was without the services of quarterback Cecil Howard (military service), running back ElMarko Jackson (family) and wide receiver Brandon Dando (knee). Dando is a Laurel grad. By game’s end, the Thunder injury list included quarterback Preston Jones, linebacker Jack Callahan, receiver Clem Ragster and running back Josh James.

Before the injury spree, the Thunder built a 20-0 halftime advantage.

In the first quarter, Jones scored on a 46-yard run and defensive back Trent Kimbrough raced 35 yards after a fumble recovery into the Invaders end zone. Each of the extra points failed.

J.J. Wilson pulled in a 38-yard Preston pass for a second quarter score. Jones followed with a two-point conversion pass to Steve DeSalvo (New Castle).

Both squads lost their composure near the half as a brawl erupted after the Invaders’ Antoine Jackson returned a Thunder punt. With Callahan was injured on the play, the teams battled on the Ohio sideline. The squads were assessed offsetting penalties but New Castle receiver Chris Hunt (Union) was ejected.

The incident energized the New Castle players and staff, while marking the unraveling of the visiting Invaders.

The New Castle defense has yet to give up a point this season. However, the Invaders came close to ending that streak in the third quarter.

With a first-and-10 at the Thunder 11, Baretta Chavis picked off Duane Ehredt Jr.’s pass at the New Castle 3.

Chavis’ effort sent Thunder owner Anthony Razzano screaming, “That’s how good my defense is! That’s how good my defense is!”

Four plays later, joy turned into concern when Jones was injured after an 8-yard run.