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| Isaac Espinoza, WLB, Michigan (57) |
Michigan WLB Isaac Espinoza intercepted two passes and CB Stanley Thomas had 11 tackles. The Panthers defense contributed to perhaps the worst day as a pro for San Antonio QB Tony Smith, who was 18-for-44 passing and was sacked five times and intercepted three times. Tuesday marked the first Opening Day victory for the Panthers in franchise history and the first Opening Day loss for the Gunslingers.
In other Week 1 games:
- Big Upset No. 2 occurred in Shreveport, where the Steamer steamrolled the New Orleans VooDoo, 26-3. The Shreveport defense limited New Orleans, which lost to Detroit in World Bowl III, to 100 net yards. Former league defensive MVP John Cintron had 11 tackles for the Steamer.
- The Oakland Invaders scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally past the Arizona Wranglers, 41-34, in a battle of teams expected to contend for the West Division title. The Invaders drove 93 yards for the go-ahead TD with 7:08 to play. CB Edward Alston led Oakland with nine tackles. Arizona QB Jerry Montalvo threw four TD passes.
- Detroit vs. Chicago is always a memorable battle, and this one was no exception. The defending World Bowl champions took a 23-7 lead in the second quarter, but needed Jose Fouche's 23-yard field goal in overtime to edge the Blitz, 26-23. Fouche's game-winner came one play after Wheels QB Chuck Johnson picked off Chicago QB Daniel McKee at the Blitz 5-yard line.
- Is Oklahoma ready to play King of the Hill against San Antonio in the Southwest? Outlaws DT Andrew Wu had quite a day during his team's 27-10 victory over Houston. Wu recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, intercepted a pass, recorded three sacks and three tackles, and had six QB hurries.
- New Baltimore coach Duval was a winner in his debut, the Stars rolling past the Charlotte Hornets, 39-21. New Baltimore QB Daniel Peters was also a winner in his first start for the Stars, firing four TD passes.
- The Tampa Bay Bandits recovered from an early 20-10 deficit to pull away from the Birmingham Stallions, 41-30. WR Edward Conner, last year's first-round draft pick, caught 12 passes for 211 yards and a TD for Tampa Bay. Birmingham QB Agustin Crook threw for 415 yards and three TDs. Crook is a 13th-year pro and was the league's offensive co-MVP in 1974.
- The Denver Gold scored 11 points in the final 4 minutes to edge the San Jose SaberCats, 25-21. Denver WR Michael Sonnenberg caught nine passes for 231 yards and two TDs, including a 75-yarder with 4:03 remaining to give Denver the lead. San Jose DT Frank Wakefield had 12 hurries and two sacks.
- Orlando QB David Judkins thew for 393 yards and four TDs and RB Douglas Donald had 144 rushing yards and 157 receiving yards during a 38-9 win over the Florida Blazers.
- Los Angeles Express LDE Louis Duron had 11 hurries and an interception during a 35-18 win over the Southern California Sun.
