North Carolina's newest Arena Football League team, the Carolina Force, took center stage at the Cabarrus Arena and Event Center Saturday night, winning their home opener in impressive fashion 70 to 48 over the Maryland Reapers.

Leading the charge was rookie Quarterback Chad Smith who played a great game throwing six touchdowns and rushing for another two in his Arena Football League debut. "From studying defenses to improving his pocket presence under pressure from defenders, I feel that Chad has gotten better everyday since camp," commented first year Head Coach Kent Merideth after his quarterback's stellar performance. "It was hard to tell without any game experience how he would perform under fire, but Chad was close to perfection."

"We have a ton of talent at the wide receiver position. I just think it's going to take a little time for us to gel and put it all together," added Chad about the offense. Smith accounted for eight touchdowns while throwing for over 300-yards in the rout. If Saturday is any indication of how this offense is going to produce for the rest of the season, defenses aren't going to get any rest trying to prepare for this explosive offense with a quarterback who is only going to get better.

"What really impressed me was his leadership in the pocket. He was great buying some extra time and making his reads," remarked Coach Merideth, whose team scored on almost every possession.

The Carolina Force are now 1-0 heading into this weekend's game on the road at the Macon Coliseum against the Macon Steel who have yet to play a game this season. Although the Force has only played one game, if the team continues to improve week to week the future certainly looks promising for a post-season appearance.


By: Euan McCreath
Player of the Game Spotlight