After dropping their opening week contests, the COLTS and BUCCANEERS met Sunday looking to grab their first win of the summer. It was an extremely high-scoring affair, as the teams combined for 70 points. But in the end, the COLTS did just enough, winning 40-30.

But even though they won the game, things didn’t always look good for the COLTS, who went down 18-0 after giving up two long touchdowns — including one on third down — and throwing a pick-six to Justin Monchais.

Quarterback Michael Balog led the team’s comeback effort, which started late in the first half. He threw two touchdown passes to close the first 20 minutes, using the same play both times. At halftime, the BUCCANEERS lead had been cut to five, 18-13.

The BUCCANEERS got the ball to start the second half, but couldn’t make anything happen. The COLTS got the ball back and immediately scored to take their first lead of the game on a touchdown run by Rayven Russ.

Looking to strike back, the BUCCANEERS threw an interception in their own territory, giving the COLTS an opportunity to add to their lead. But the BUCCANEERS’ defense responded, as Monchais picked off Balog again. He returned it all the way, giving his team a 24-19 lead.

With about five minutes to go in the game, the COLTS went ahead again — this time for good — on a touchdown pass by Balog. They scored again on the next possession, taking a 33-24 lead, before trading touchdown drives to close the game.

It was an up-and-down game for Balog, who was making his first start at the position. Afterwards, he called his performance “pretty good,” adding he was glad to have turned the game around and led his team to a win.

Next week, the COLTS take on the undefeated SEAHAWKS while the BUCCANEERS play the 1-1 FALCONS. Both games kick off at 3:45 p.m.