BELTON - After two consecutive games in which the CenTex Barracudas averaged more than 80 points per game, it was time to let the defense shine.

The Barracudas grabbed two interceptions, recovered one fumble and held the Frisco Thunder to just 193 total yards en route to a 41-25 win Saturday at Bell County Expo Center.

Darrick Wallace, signed on Friday after being released by the Katy Ruff Riders at the end of April, became the late scoring star of the game, returning a squib kick for a touchdown to give the Barracudas an 18-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, then capped the game’s scoring with 55 seconds left for the final score.

But the night belonged to the defense. The Barracudas (5-3) set the tone of the game intercepting the Thunder on the opening possession. The Thunder (5-4) had tried to establish momentum by converting a fourth down instead of trying a field goal.

Then the Barracudas got a turnover on downs on the next possession as the Thunder failed to convert on a goal-line possession from inside the 5.

But the Thunder’s defense was just as impressive early, holding the Barracudas’ offense to just 55 yards, and Frisco held a 7-3 lead at the half.

The Barracudas came out on fire and still playing solid defense. Quarterback James Brown, now 3-0 as the Barracudas starter, and the offense began to gain momentum.

With the Thunder up 13-6, Barracudas fullback David Banks. tied the game at 13 on a two-yard run.

Frisco took its next possession past midfield, but defensive back Roderick Knight intercepted a Wes Cooper pass. On the first play from scrimmage, Brown hit Olan Coleman for a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving the Barracudas a 20-13 lead.

After a fumble recovery, Brown then hit Kendrick Wade to lift the Barracudas to a 27-13 lead at the start of the fourth quarter and it was smooth sailing from there.

The Barracudas, who moved into third place in the Intense Football League standings, will be at Katy next Saturday and return to the Expo Center on May 24 to host the Alaska Wild.