Gameday Recap

Force Defense Keys Blow-out Win Over Indy

Photo Credit: Mike Barth
Contact: Media Relations (773) 368-4848 / 312-405-4130

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indianapolis, IN. The final score of 72-0 screams total domination but does not tell the entire story. For much of the first quarter it appeared that the Chicago Force offense was still on the team bus. The thin 6-0 lead that Chicago held over the Indy Crash entering the 2nd quarter was only possible due to the efforts of a swarming defense that ultimately produced 7 turnovers and 4 defensive scores.

Defensive Coordinator Adam Lewandowski - Coach Lew - was obviously happy with his squad. "I liked the total effort of the entire defense. We made some things happen, executed our game plan, and played unselfishly. We're still a long way off from our potential, so we're looking forward to getting better this week."

The Force defense opened the floodgates to a blow-out road victory with 13 tackles for a loss, 4 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, 3 TD's and a safety. Everyone got in on the action, most notably DB Martha Dantuma with 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns). Niki Swain played a big part in one of the interceptions when she drilled the Indy QB during her release. DE Kim Marks had 6 tackles (five for losses), 2 sacks and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. LB Rebecca Thuestad had a break out game with 6 tackles (3 for losses), a sack and 2 forced fumbles. LB Darcy Leslie was again at the top of the tackle chart, leading the team with 8 tackles, one for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a safety. LB Sami Scurto had 5.5 tackles and a forced fumble. And WR Brandi Srda, who also plays special teams, had 2 thunderous hits on the Indy kick returners.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Force offense got on track in the second quarter going for 3 scores and taking a 28-0 lead into halftime. The second half it was more of the same, and overall the Chicago offense finished with 446 total yards. RB Melissa Smith carried 17 times for 163 yards and 3 TD's. RB Brandy Hatcher had 8 carries for 66 yards and 2 TD's, and QB Albi Zhubi rushed for 121 yards and 2 TD's on just 12 carries.

Next up for the Force is a tough game this Saturday May 5th at home against the visiting St. Louis Slam. Last year's game versus the Slam was the hardest-hitting of the season. Saturday's game is Alumni Day and will feature numerous former players, a special halftime ceremony, as well as the pre-game coin toss being conducted by Lisa Cole, the former owner and founder of the Force.

Kick-off is at 5pm at Lazier Field at Evanston Township High School. The field is located at 2285 Church Street, just west of Ridge Avenue across from the school.