Gameday Recap

Force Remain Undefeated, Beat Detroit 61-0

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

WESTLAND, MI. The Chicago Force (5-0) faced a familiar foe - the weather - in their 3rd consecutive road game this past weekend. As the national anthem played prior to a rematch with the Detroit Dark Angels, the skies opened up and huge gusts of wind began to rattle the umbrellas. For Chicago, the beginning of the game was as messy as the weather.

Detroit returned the opening kick to Chicago's 35 yard line as the returner weaved through the over-pursuing coverage team. The Dark Angels found running room for several first downs. The drive stalled inside the 5 yard line when Detroit fumbled on 4th and goal. The Force offense promptly gave the ball back on an interception that was returned to Chicago's 6 yard line. The Force defense held again as Detroit turned over the ball on downs at the one yard line.

This time Chicago's offense got into a groove moving to midfield with runs by Darcy Leslie and Mary Choules. On 4th and 15 QB Sami Grisafe connected with WR Ashley Berggren for a 25 yard completion on the final play of the first quarter. Leslie then scored on a 5 yard TD run at the start of the second quarter. Tricia Charbonneau kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Detroit started on their own 40 yard line and had success running wide, moving the chains into the red zone. The Force defense rose up with successive sacks from Amanda Malsch and Elisha Okrey, and a batted pass from defensive lineman Keesha Brooks. After a turnover on downs, Chicago's offense got back to work, starting from their own 18 yard line. Hatcher, Choules and Leslie carried for big gains through huge holes created by the offensive line. Grisafe completed passes to Hatcher and WR Taylor Malloy for first downs. The long drive culminated in a 17 yard touchdown run by Choules, Leslie carried in the 2 point conversion for a 15-0 lead with 5:21 remaining in the second quarter.

Charbonneau boomed the ensuing kickoff to the 2 yard line, the returner only manages to get to the 10 yard line. After a first down, Detroit is forced to punt and Chicago took over on their own 33 yard line with 1:56 left in the half. Choules picked up a first down and Hatcher then took a shovel pass 55 yards to the Detroit 2 yard line. Leslie bulled in for the touchdown and the 2 point conversion as well. Chicago 23, Detroit 0.

Detroit struggled to move the ball after starting from their 37. On 4th down Force defensive end Angel Smith delivered a monster hit in the backfield for a turnover on downs. With just 20 seconds left in the half, Chicago goes into hurry up mode. After a Detroit penalty, Grisafe completed a 22 yard pass to Berggren to the 11 yard line. With one second remaining Coach John Konecki designed a play in the huddle that resulted in an 11 yard TD completion to Berggren. Darcy Leslie is again successful running in the 2 point conversion for a halftime score of 31-0.

Chicago controlled the second half with a consistent running attack and mixed in enough passing to keep Detroit guessing. Choules had 16 carries for 150 yards and 3 TD's. Hatcher finished with 161 combined yards and a TD, Leslie added 62 yards on 8 carries, 2 TD's and 5 two point conversions. Berggren had 7 receptions for 115 yards and a TD. Wide receiver Dana Vermilye scored her first TD this season on a 5 yard reception in the 4th quarter. Grisafe passed for 269 yards, 3 TD's and had one interception.

The defense benefitted from the return of Smith as 4 of her 6 tackles were behind the line of scrimmage. Leslie was very active with 8 tackles, one for a loss and Candace Griffin had 6 tackles. Keesha Brooks anchored the defensive line and Rebecca Thuestad had 4 tackles and recovered a fumble. Arteria Ziegler also recovered a fumble in the 4th quarter.

The Force have their final road game of the regular season next Saturday evening against the Indy Crash. The next home game will be June first when they take on the rival Kansas City Tribe at 5pm at Evanston High School's Lazier Field.

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