Gameday Recap

Great Beginnings in 70-0 Rout

Contact: Jen Thompson (312) 933-1261

WESTLAND, MI. The Chicago Force began their national championship title defense with a resounding 70-0 win over the overmatched Detroit Dark Angels. The Force came out of the gates at a gallop with Jeanette Gray returning the opening kickoff 53 yards to the Detroit 35 yard line. Quarterback Sami Grisafe found rookie WR Jill Airaki for a 30 yard completion to the 5 yard line on the first play from scrimmage. Darcy Leslie was inserted at running back with the short yardage power offense and punched through for a 5 yard TD run. Leslie carried again for the 2 point conversion to put Chicago up 8-0 just a minute and a half into the game.

Detroit's first possession was a quick three and out, and Chicago's offense came back on the field and marched swiftly downfield. Grisafe quickly connected with Gray for a 25 yard TD reception. Grisafe and Gray resumed where they left off last season when they were the most potent combination in the history of women's football with each player setting multiple records in their respective passing and receiving categories.

Grisafe finished the game with 321 yards on 22 of 27 passing attempts for 4 TD's. Gray had 193 receiving yards on 10 catches for 3 TD receptions, and one rushing touchdown. First year player Anna Sandford also had a TD reception.

The rushing attack was well balanced with nine players getting carries. Running back Brandy Hatcher ran particularly well and had 122 total yards rushing and receiving, as well as a 26 yard touchdown run. Overall, the Chicago offense generated 485 yards for nine TD's and 8 of 9 two point conversion attempts.

The defense was equally successful while posting a shut-out. The Detroit offense never threatened and were often struggling just to survive as Force defenders consistently penetrated into their backfield. Defensive linemen Angel Smith and Kim Marks each had a sack and 2013 conference defensive player of the year Darcy Leslie had 6 tackles and numerous hits on the Detroit quarterback. Strong safety Elisha Okrey was very active and led the team with 7 tackles. Rookie Amber Kimbrough made an immediate impact with 6 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and several big hits.

Head Coach John Konecki was pleased with the effort and results, especially in light of how the weather had limited practice in the pre-season. "Overall I saw a lot of good things from both veterans and first year players. We had three rookies who played on the offensive line - Kelsey Casey, Leeann Bluske and Anne Witt - and I was pleased with their performances. The O line is critical to our success so it's imperative that they continue to progress."

The Force host the Indianapolis Crash in their home opener on April 12 at Evanston High School. Game time is 5pm.

For tickets and more information please visit chicagoforcefootball.com or call Sam Powell / Game Day Operations at 312-371-7813.

Photo Credit: Tina Skiöld