April 25, 2026
By Adam Ruffner

Despite missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2025, the high octane Carolina Flyers (1-0) offense picked up right where they left off last year and earned a 22-20 win over the San Diego Growlers (0-1) on “Friday Night Frisbee”. The Flyers committed a franchise-low six turnovers on Friday against the Growlers, and bled the last two minutes of game clock on their final possession to secure the two-goal victory. Allan Laviolette finished with seven total scores and 461 total yards on 51-of-52 throws, while Jacob Fairfax and Walker Matthews both contributed three goals apiece. 

Last year’s league leader in assists, Laviolette now has 11 straight starts with at least three assists and two huck completions. And though his throwing talents produce headlines, the soon-to-be-37-year-old’s mobility and burst, particularly in the red zone, looked as good as ever; Carolina finished 13-of-14 on red zone chances for the game.

“How comfortable are you when Allan Laviolette has the disc in his hands?” asked analyst Evan Lepler during a halftime interview.

“I was filling up my water bottle,” replied second year Flyers Head Coach Michael Avila with a laugh, not even needing to see the field to know Laviolette’s results.

Since an 0-4 start derailed their 2025 season, Carolina has now won eight of their last nine games.

“I’m really excited to see what we can do,” Laviolette told analyst Ian Toner in a postgame interview, in regards to Carolina’s outlook in 2026. Maintaining a trim lead throughout the entire fourth quarter, the Flyers discipline with the frisbee made any margin feel insurmountable for the opposition, akin to their jiu-jitsu endgame hold that won them the division title in 2024. Laviolette and Fairfax were once again the primary engine for explosives, but were complemented and anchored by the throwing performances of Dylan Hawkins and rookie Jacob Louie, who combined for 114 completions and 526 passing yards without a throwaway.

San Diego wasn’t without their opportunities. A dropped pull to begin the second half brought the home squad within one, and the Flyers eked out just three blocks against the Growlers. But in spite of just nine total turnovers, the pack could not pull out the home opener win. 

For the Flyers, they now move on to face a Vegas franchise still searching for their first win, before hosting Philadelphia in two weeks at their home opener in Carolina. For the Growlers, they must prepare for Atlanta at home on May 9.