For a new franchise, the California Eagles looked right at home Sunday in Stockton Arena.

Quarterback Chad Elliott threw seven touchdowns in three quarters to fuel an easy 78-25 win over the Nevada Lynx in the American Indoor Football franchise's home opener in front of an estimated 2,000 fans.

"Our offensive line gave me lots of time to throw," Elliott said. "When I have that much time, I can pick a defense apart. I have several great receivers who are athletic, fast and have good hands. We were just rolling tonight."

Elliott's first two passes went for touchdowns, and he threw 10 consecutive completions for 170 yards and six scores before his first incompletion late in the third quarter. Elliott finished 11 of 13 for 197 yards and seven touchdowns for the Eagles (1-1).

Eagle receiver Mike Hill caught six passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns from Elliott, while Dominique Howard caught four passes for 60 yards and two scores. Howard's 16-yard catch at the end of the first half was Elliott's sixth of the game and the quarterback's 450th touchdown pass in a career that included stints with the now-defunct Stockton Lightning and Stockton Wolves.

California backup quarterback Michael Nichols played the entire fourth quarter and finished 5 of 7 for 83 yards and two touchdowns against Nevada (0-2).

"I don't know why our team needed me," Eagles coach David Mairs said. "Our guys were really dialed in and took advantage of (Nevada)."

Lynx quarterback Ivan Williams finished 5 of 19 for 83 yards with two scores and three interceptions.

"We are still transitioning from the outdoor game to the indoor game," Nevada coach Anthony Bartley said. "I've literally just thrown this team together in about a week and it's going to take us a couple of games to find our groove."

California's Jesse Karl grabbed Williams' first interception in the end zone to set up Elliott's 40-yard bomb on the next play to receiver Ruben Jackson to give California a 34-6 lead. Jackson, an Edison High product, finished with two catches for 62 yards, both going for touchdowns.

"It was a lot of fun to see all these fans here," said Jackson. "This feeling is just amazing. It's our home opener and you never want to take it easy (on an opponent) in a home opener."

The Eagles head out for a road matchup Thursday against the Arizona Outlaws.


Original Article: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120312/A_SPORTS/203120322
Scott Niendorf - Record Correspondent