In a tightly contested season opener, the Anchorage Avengers topped the Savannah Cannons with a final score of 14-6. Both teams were looking to set the tone for the 2026 season, but it was Anchorage that ultimately prevailed in this defensive battle. Baker Mayfield led the charge for the Avengers, throwing for 192 yards, while the Cannons' Matthew Stafford tossed two touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to find the end zone. Despite the loss, Savannah's Sincere Brown had an impressive performance, racking up 143 receiving yards and proving to be a reliable target throughout the game. Quinshon Judkins also contributed on the ground for the Cannons, finishing with 75 rushing yards. Defensively, the Avengers made their presence felt, with DaRon Bland recording a game-high nine tackles and George Karlaftis notching a crucial sack. The turning point came late in the second half when Anchorage's defense stifled a potential scoring drive by the Cannons, forcing a turnover on downs that allowed the Avengers to maintain their slim lead and secure the victory.