Head Coach Justin McBride taps pair of fresh faces in Cody Jesus, Caden Bunch to win BIG.
By James Youness
FORT WORTH, Texas – Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Stampede, hosted tens of thousands of fans throughout the weekend by hosting the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament within the world of NCAA sports.
Just 175 miles south, however, the Nashville-based contingent was competing in its second Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by Camping World (METC), showcase of the season.
And you could feel the presence of their fanbase which made the trip to KFC Yum! Center throughout Friday’s nights final 12 outs!
Securing a 256-85.5 victory over their rival Carolina Cowboys, Head Coach Justin McBride credited having his Assistant Coach Silvano Alves around in a mentor role as the team moved to 2-0 all-time since appointing the living legend to the squad’s coaching staff.
But just moments before the game, he teased he wouldn’t mind seeing said talent back on the dirt!
“Absolutely – And you see him, he’s got his logos on his shirt and you’re kind of thinking ‘Eh, maybe we can get him a pair of chaps too’, and just get him in there, because I promise he could still do it,” McBride shared when asked if it’s taken some time adjusting to the star’s retirement.
Leaning on a pair of fresh faces in Cody Jesus and Caden Bunch, who have been UTB regulars in the past but haven’t been around much this season, McBride and company wouldn’t need Alves suiting up at the end of the night, as they went on to claim a dominant 256-85.5 win over Carolina.
Rookie of the Year frontrunner Anderson de Oliveira technically got the team off on a good foot, scored 84.25 points during Nashville’s first attempt. But with a fellow new-coming Brazilian in Murilo Henrique de Oliveira coming in with some steam of his own, the Cowboys were suddenly ahead in the box score.
Just moments later, after watching Adriano Salgado be disqualified for a chute clock violation, as he didn’t nod his head before the judge’s clock hit “0,” the 26-year-old Window Rock, Arizona, native in Jesus logged what ended up being the game-clinching ride during just his second UTB out of the season.
Jesus, who finished No. 19 overall in the 2024 premier series standings, has opted into sitting out this year’s UTB tour in order to rest up and prepare for the approaching 2025 PBR Camping World Team Series.
However, he’ll be back in the draw Saturday night after besting Bad Intentions for a quality 86.5 points Friday. Earning the lead and providing his team some momentum, he admitted he had some ulterior motivation in hanging on for the 8.
“It’s fun – It’s fun to be around (Justin) McBride and all of my teammates. Today is Caden Bunch’s birthday, and I told him I’d stay on for him, so it worked out pretty good,” he told Kate Harrison via the RidePass on Pluto TV broadcast.
As the competition continued, it was all Nashville for the duration, as Carolina ended the evening with a 1-for-6 effort, now 1-for-12 across the team’s first two METC matchups.
Seeing the now 22-year-old in Bunch attempt just his fifth bull on UTB since competing in the 2024 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast, he blocked out the noise and did his job.
Only to let the cheers back in after the requisite 8.
“I’m glad to be riding for the Nashville Stampede. We’re looking forward to the season to come – and they better look out for us, because we’re the boys in blue.”
After defeating Carolina back in Chicago via a 251-0 blowout victory, Nashville unofficially claimed the best-of-three series Friday, but will again go head-to-head against the Cowboys for the third and final time this season April 4 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
And for as much as McBride would’ve liked to see his team produce the first 6-for-6 performance in the unique series, he settled for getting some of his guys a shot at some additional glory, reps and cold hard cash.
“Well, it’s a good opportunity to see some of your other guys who aren’t on tour right now. It’s a good opportunity to get them in the event and then don’t forget, (if they ride) they’ve got a chance then to go on and compete during the rest of this thing,” McBride shared.
“I look at this as a good opportunity for our team to get together, which we get to do that quite often anyway, but it’s a good chance to get all of the guys in and compete. And a chance for them to win some more money.” Naturally, Nashville’s eyes have to be set on the 2025 PBR Teams Championship honors.
After winning it all in Cinderella Story fashion during the league’s inaugural season back in 2022, they remain one of three organizations who understand what it means to win on the grandest PBR Teams stage.
But until the dramatic postseason rolls around this fall, it’s about soaking in the privilege of travelling and competing as professionals. Together – As a team.
“It’s a long way away – We’re going to try to enjoy every day together and getting to be professional bull riders in front of great fans like we had here tonight,” McBride said.
“Just guys competing – Guys riding for something instead of against something. When these boys all ride for one another and ride for that brand that’s on their chest, they’re really great bull riders and it’s just fun to watch.”
Kubota PBR Louisville will conclude Saturday, March 15 with Ride Pass on Pluto TV and PBR YouTube streams beginning Saturday at 7 p.m. EST.
Fans can stay tuned to PBR.com and @PBR social media channels for the latest METC drama, updates on the 2025 World Championship race and beyond!
