July 24, 2026
By Adam Ruffner

After missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2025, the Carolina Flyers needed no reintroduction to the postseason in their wire-to-wire, opening round 25-14 win against the San Diego Growlers. Carolina committed just 11 turnovers as a team, and the offense converted nearly 80 percent of their possessions into scores. 

The Flyers will advance to face the first seed Austin Sol in Texas on Friday, August 7 in the South Division Championship Game. 

The Growlers hung around in the first half thanks to the stellar play of Khalif El-Salaam and his field-stretching deep receiving abilities. But San Diego, much like their first meeting of the season against Carolina back in Week 1, could not muster any defensive pressure against an in-rhythm Flyers offense. The home squad finished 10-of-13 (77 percent) from deep, while also converting all but one of their 17 red zone chances, showcasing the end-to-end attack balance this Carolina team has in 2026.

Team veterans and perennial All-UFA candidates Allan Laviolette and Jacob Fairfax both had stellar individual performances, but the unquestionable star of the evening was Tobias Brooks. Though efficient through his first handful of starts this season, Brooks seemingly lacked some of his game-changing gravity. That was not the case tonight, as Brooks operated flawlessly as a passer and receiver whenever he wanted against a soft Growlers defense. The 21-year-old finished with nine total scores, 35-of-35 on throws, and amassed a game-high 531 total yards; according to Shown Space, Brooks’ total expected contribution (Tot-aEC) to start the playoffs ranked as the 30th most productive game of the season so far. 

Carolina’s defense shut down San Diego’s ability to swing the disc, and at the same time showed why they have the best counterattack in the league. The Flyers’ coverage continually rattled the Growlers offense on resets and clogged their backfield movement, which led to seven San Diego turnovers inside the red zone alone. Christian Belus, Suraj Madiraju, and rookie Owen Stout all registered two takeaways apiece, and the D-line cashed in 11 break scores.

The Flyers now have a chance to capture their fourth divisional championship since 2021, as well as their second UFA title. Carolina played Austin just once this season back on July 20, and eked out a 21-20 win at home against the Sol. Austin is 6-0 at home this season.

Watch the South Division Championship Game live on YouTube.