Led by Head Coach Jerome Davis, the Carolina Cowboys fought their way to their first Team Series Championship at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. That final score between Carolina and their opponent Missouri Thunder was 242,50-177.75.
Throughout the Team Finals, the Cowboys went four for four; it doesn’t get much better than that! The real drama began in the Semi Final game against the Arizona Ridge Riders. For the first time in team history, both teams finished up with scores of 174.50, making it necessary for there to be one more ride.
Coach Davis chose young star Clay Guiton from North Carolina to get on that tie-breaking bull, and did he ever make the best of it. Guiton made the eight seconds riding Milestone to a score of 88 points to put the nail in the coffin of Arizona. This great ride placed Carolina squarely into that final game against Missouri Thunder.
At the beginning of that final game, Cooper Davis rode Snap Chatter, but his score was a mere 68.25 points. Coach Davis however, opted to keep that score on the board; a gutsy decision to be sure, but ultimately it paid off. Adriano Salgado rode J Lady S for a score of 87.50, and Guiton covered El Chapo for 86.75. When the dust cleared, Carolina found themselves one bull ahead, and the new champions.
To qualify to make it to that championship game, Missouri just got by the Texas Rattlers. The Thunder had scores of 350 to a 248 for Texas. The first man out for Missouri bucked off, but the final four for Missouri rode their bulls. Texas looked to be in great shape though, with four straight rides by Qynn Anderson, Daniel Keeping, Claudio Montanha Jr, and Brady Fielder. Winy dos Santos needed to ride his bull, but bucked off right near the buzzer, allowing the Thunder to advance.
In the fight for the third spot, it was the Rattlers who prevailed, defeating the Arizona Ridge Riders, 261.50-145.75.
The afore-mentioned Guiton was named the PBR Camping World Teams Series Championship VIP. He rode all five of his bulls; Ghost Face (83.75), Cherry Shot (87.50), Hoobastank (87.50), and Milestone (88). Clay joins Joao Ricardo Vieira who won this award in 2023, and John Crimber from last year. Also want to mention here that Carolina also rode all of their bulls on Friday night, a precursor of things to come.
Playing to electric crowds all three performances, the fans were really into their favorite teams. It was an exciting atmosphere to be around, and the bulls and riders did not disappoint; greats on both sides. Take an opportunity to go watch live, you will not be disappointed.
Article By Barbara Pinnella
Photos: Nancy Lares
