The Bulls opened their preseason with a 33-9 win over the Rush on Saturday, building their lead with a strong running game and four field goals from Michael Thomas.

Las Vegas struck first on a 76-yard punt return touchdown by Mark Ponder, followed by Thomas’ extra point for a 7-0 lead. The Rush answered with a 36-yard touchdown run by Javier Hannah in the second quarter, but missed the extra point and remained behind 7-6.

Jon Williams scored on a 6-yard run to extend the Bulls’ lead to 14-6. The Rush cut it to 14-9 on Joseph Shippy’s 51-yard field goal. Thomas made a 24-yard field goal before halftime, putting Las Vegas ahead 17-9.

Williams scored again on an 8-yard run in the third quarter, and Thomas’ extra point made it 24-9. The Rush missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt later in the quarter. Thomas added field goals of 48 and 46 yards in the fourth, then made a 31-yarder with 57 seconds remaining for the final margin.

The Bulls finished with 277 rushing yards on 38 carries, compared with 77 yards on 23 carries for the Rush. Stephen Young led Las Vegas with 99 rushing yards. Williams had 71 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 22 receiving yards. Jeff Suarez led the Bulls with 68 receiving yards.

The Bulls’ defense recorded five sacks. Jerry Dillard had two. Las Vegas also forced a fumble that Michael Lewis recovered in the fourth quarter, helping set up Thomas’ 46-yard field goal. The Rush had two forced fumbles, and Jeffery Leblanc intercepted a pass from Garry Griggs.

The Rush totaled 183 passing yards, while the Bulls had 149. Hannah led the Rush with 46 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as 27 receiving yards. The game was the first of the preseason for both teams.