Gameday Recap

Force Beat Cleveland 65-7 for Playoff Win

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

EVANSTON, IL. Home field advantage, beautiful weather and playoff football made for a winning combination this past weekend as two undefeated teams met in the second round of playoffs. Chicago scored on their first four possessions and the Fusion never recovered as the Force went on to post a resounding 65-7 victory.

The first score came midway through the first quarter after a long Chicago drive. Mary Choules took a handoff from the one yard line and followed a slew of blocks into the end zone. She also carried it in for the two point conversion for an 8-0 Chicago lead at 6:16 in the first quarter.

The next possession was ignited when receiver Jeanette Gray caught a short pass from QB Sami Grisafe and broke numerous tackles en route to a 47 yard gain. Several plays later running back Brandy Hatcher got the call from the one yard line and scored easily. The two point conversion failed and Chicago led 14-0.

Cleveland was unable to get a drive going and the ensuing punt rolled through the end zone, allowing Chicago to start their next possession at their own twenty yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Grisafe delivered a perfect slant pass to a streaking Gray who took it 80 yards for the touchdown. Choules again carried it in on the two point attempt and the Chicago lead swelled to 22-0 with 2:11 left in the first quarter.

After a turnover on downs, Chicago started from their own 40 yard line to open the second quarter. On third down Gray made an acrobatic catch and ran down the sideline for a 42 yard gain. Grisafe then found receiver Ashley Berggren wide open on a post pattern for a 14 yard touchdown completion. Choules again carried it in on the two point conversion and Chicago went up 30-0 with 13:46 remaining in the second quarter.

Neither team could sustain drives as they traded possessions until halftime. Cleveland missed a great opportunity to get on the board when they failed to score from the Chicago 5 yard line, on a drive extended by a pass interference penalty just before halftime.

Chicago received the kickoff to start the third quarter and on the second play from scrimmage Choules burst off tackle for a 37 yard touchdown run. Her attempt on the two point conversion failed. Chicago 36, Cleveland 0. The Force scored again at the end of the third quarter on a 3 yard run by Choules, followed by a successful two point conversion pass to Gray. Chicago led 44-0.

Cleveland’s lone score came early in the fourth quarter on an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Chicago 44, Cleveland 7.

The Force defense came up with 5 interceptions – two by Martha Dantuma, and one each by Candace Griffin, Rebecca Thuestad and Elisha Okrey. Okrey returned her interception for a touchdown, putting Chicago up 50-7. Okrey led the Force in tackles and was named the Defensive Game Day MVP.

Gray finished with 11 receptions for 254 yards and two touchdowns. She was named Offensive Game Day MVP. Grisafe passed for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Force will host the Atlanta Phoenix in the third round of playoffs on Saturday July 13th at Evanston Township HS, kickoff time to be determined. A win over the Phoenix would give Chicago hosting rights for the conference championship on Saturday July 20th, also at Evanston Township HS.

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