Houma, La. – Reporter Jack MeHoff: Good afternoon, Coach Smith. Congratulations on the season opener win against the Atlanta Swarm. Can you share your overall thoughts on how the team looked during the game?

Coach Smith: Thank you. It was an intense and hard-fought game, and I’m proud of how our team performed on the field. Our defense, in particular, was outstanding, and they really set the tone for the entire game. We knew going in that Atlanta has a potent offense, but our defensive line, led by Chance Wall, Neal Rivers, and Gary Birney, put immense pressure on their quarterback, disrupting their passing game and sacking him five times. That level of dominance in the trenches was a crucial point in the game and gave us the momentum we needed.

Reporter Jenny Talya: The defensive line’s performance was certainly impressive. How about your outside linebacker, Gary Clem, who had four tackles for loss?

Coach Smith: Gary Clem was phenomenal out there. He’s a playmaker, and his ability to read the game and make those tackles for loss was invaluable. He kept Atlanta’s offense on their toes, and his impact was felt throughout the game. Our linebackers, as a whole, played with intensity and discipline, which contributed significantly to our success on defense.

Reporter Ben Dover: The running back situation was a topic of concern after Duane Sammons got injured. How do you think Chris Grant Jr. handled stepping up in his place?

Coach Smith: Losing Duane to an injury was unfortunate, but I must commend Chris Grant Jr. for stepping up to the challenge. He showed great composure and confidence on the field, making strong runs and helping to move the chains. We have faith in our rookies, and Chris proved that he can be a valuable asset in our offense. He contributed significantly to our offensive rhythm.

Reporter Buster Cherry: Your quarterback, Tommy Utah, had an impressive game with 279 passing yards and a touchdown. How do you feel about his performance?

Coach Smith: Tommy Utah is a talented quarterback, and he delivered when we needed him the most. He showed great poise in the pocket, making accurate throws and leading the offense down the field. His connection with receivers like Reggo Dinero and Lyriic Davinci was on point, and that touchdown pass to Reggo at a crucial moment in the game was a game-changer.