Gameday Recap

Force Avoid any Crashes in Big Second Win

Contact: George Howe Media Relations (773) 368-4848

CHICAGO, IL Force Head Coach John Konecki had some minor concerns that his team would come out a little rusty after a bye week. His worries were quickly forgotten as the Force dominated the Indy Crash 66-6 last Saturday on a frigid April afternoon in Evanston. “I had my juices flowing a little more than normal because I wasn’t sure that we would be firing on all cylinders,” explained the veteran coach. “I was very pleased with how we responded.” The Force wasted no time and on their opening possession utilized the talents of Darcy Leslie. In five plays, Leslie had her number called four times, including one long 30 yard scamper to the Crash 12 yard line. She followed her blockers going left, seven yards for the score, her first of four touchdowns on the day. The next set of possessions by both teams clearly seemed to be affected by the bone chilling cold. Jeanette Gray took a quick toss from Sami Grisafe at the Crash 40, and was finally tackled at the 29. Brandi Hatcher took a pitch from Grisafe and ran 23 yards to the Crash 6 and it appeared that another score was imminent. On the next play, Grisafe went under center, and just couldn’t wrap her hands around the ball as it squirted out and Indy recovered at their own six. Crash quarterback Lea Kaszas tried to hand off to Kiva Thomas, who coughed up the ball, recovered by Leslie, now on defense. The Force coaching staff rewarded Leslie as she ran it in to make the score 12-0.

Force linebacker Kim Marks rudely introduced herself to Kaszas, chasing her backwards and sacking her for a 12 yard loss to the Crash 42. On the next play, Kaszas gripped the ball and hit her target Thomas in stride and she pulled away 58 yards down the left sideline for Indy’s only touchdown of the afternoon. The Force tallied 54 unanswered points in a variety of ways. Ashley Berggren took the ensuing Crash kickoff from her 20 to the Crash 49. After a quarterback keeper, a pass completion to Gray, it was Hatcher’s turn to get in on the scoring running left 27 yards with 1:59 to play in the first quarter. Berggren added a catch and run 33 yards to score. Mary Choules had an impressive 48 yard run to pay dirt. Gray was named the offensive game day MVP and had a stellar performance scoring three times on 11, 35, and 65 yard touchdown completions. Gray, a four year veteran, was a standout athlete in college and re-dedicated herself after last season’s outcome. “Our loss at the championship game was the toughest that I ever experienced on any level of competition,” explained Gray. “I worked out hard in the off season to come in ready to go physically and mentally. I want to be a better player every time I go to practice, and contribute in a big way in games.”

The Force defense continues to impress getting contributions from veterans and rookies. First year players Karlee Quaritsch and Melissa Nelson made their presence felt with timely tackling, and a fumble recovery by Nelson. Veteran “Taz” Brooks was her typical steady self and also recovered a fumble. Dorian Bridges ran down ball carriers all day long. Second year player Elisha Okrey, named defensive player of the game, seemed to be in on every tackle, and brings energy and excitement to her teammates. “Elisha has been working hard and everyone can see the results so far,” said defensive coordinator Adam Lewandowski.

The Force will travel to St. Louis next week in the first of four straight road games. The next home game will be June first when they take on the rival Kansas City Tribe.

For tickets and more information please visit chicagoforcefootball.com or call the Force hotline at (872) 222-5078.