The Carolina Force dominated the Virginia Badgers at home Saturday night with an impressive 54-13 victory. In every phase of the game it seemed like the Force just manhandled the visiting Virginia squad. Early on it seemed the Force had their hands full as the Badgers scored on their opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. However the Carolina defense would shutout the Badgers for the remainder of the first half as their offense scored 30 unanswered points to take a 30-7 lead at the half.

“We came out a little flat, then we starting picking it up after the first quarter. We made a lot of mental mistakes, but our defense played great and was all over the place,” remarked Head Coach Kent Merideth.

Despite winning in such convincing fashion, the now 3-0 head coach was quick to point out facets of the game that the Force needed to improve in saying, “We have to eliminate the mental mistakes and have to work harder on our technique.”

As it’s been for two previous games this season, the defense was absolutely unstoppable. After allowing a touchdown on the Badgers first possession the defense allowed only six more points the entire game. When asked about his defense, Coach Merideth said this about his defensive coordinator Terry Simmons, “Coach Simmons has done a fantastic job. The grit and enthusiasm he brings to the table everyday is a great asset to the team. In the past when we were coaching together I would tell him that when I get a head coaching job I want you on my staff. Our defense plays like coach Simmons played the game, tough and intense.”

The defense recovered two errant snaps by the Virginia center that went into the end zone for touchdowns. They also recorded an interception and tallied five sacks. When they weren’t making big plays they were harassing and knocking down Virginia Quarterback Austin Falkner the entire game.

“Tonight we played especially well and we haven’t even reached our full potential yet,” remarked defensive coordinator Terry Simmons about his defense’s stellar performance.  “When I played Arena League football it really gave me a chance to get a feel for coaching. I love coming out here and helping my players get better while preparing them for maybe a shot at the next level.”

“Linebacker Ralph Scott is our leader, everyone feeds off his energy and how he plays,” added Simmons. Speaking of Scott he had 12 tackles, two and a half sacks and recovered a ball in the end zone for a touchdown, his third touchdown in as many games.

Offensively the Force got it going in the second half led by C.J. Washington’s four touchdowns. Washington caught five balls for 89 yards and helped to set the tone for the offense the entire game. Quarterback Shayne Milligan was effective completing 11 out of 24 attempts for 119 yards and four touchdowns.

Next week the Carolina Force travel to Fayetteville to face the undefeated Cape Fear Heroes whose defense has only yielded 89 points in three games. Both sides of the football will be challenged more than they have all season as the winner of the game will have a one game lead, sitting alone atop the Eastern Division standings.

 

Written By Euan McCreath