Gameday Recap

Force Roll Over Minnesota 70-0

OSSEO, MN. The Chicago Force (3-0) continued their winning ways with an emphatic 70-0 victory over the Minnesota Machine. Chicago scored 10 touchdowns and had three others called back by the flag-happy officiating crew.

Most of the damage was done through the air with quarterback Rachel Gore completing 14 of 21 passes for 270 yards and 5 touchdowns while also scampering for 49 rushing yards. Cassey Brick had 2 receiving touchdowns and Jeanette Gray, Jill Airaki and Elisha Okrey each caught one TD pass. In addition to her TD reception, Airaki had an excellent performance contributing to all 3 phases of the game, as she played offense, defense and special teams.

Head Coach John Konecki is pleased with his quarterback's development, "Rachel Gore continues to improve and will continue to be a match up problem for opponents because of her ability to run with the ball and her accuracy in the quick game."

Brick dazzled with 5 long TD runs - although 3 of them were called back for penalties - and left would-be tacklers grasping at air. Konecki dubbed her the human joystick for her ability to stop and start like a player in a video game.

Gore and Kelsey Casey each had a rushing TD as well. On the day the Force offense generated 470 yards from scrimmage and also enjoyed an explosive kick return game in which Jamie Menzyk and Sarah Rogers contributed several devastating blocks.

Chicago's defense was missing several players in their secondary but still held the Machine to just 45 passing yards and completely shut down their running game while holding them to negative net yardage. Angel Smith, Sonja Drangsholt, Kim Marks and Amber Kimbrough dominated on the defensive line. Rogers, Brandy Hatcher and Kelsey Casey each had an interception, with Rogers making a spectacular leaping grab and returning her interception 65 yards for a touchdown.

Drangsholt was singled out for praise as she again dominated at her position just hours after arriving on a plane from Norway. She was named as a game day captain in recognition of her MVP award performance in the home opener. As an organization the Force have been extremely blessed with international players over the past couple of years and are committed to welcoming to any international players who are dedicated to improving their play.

Head Coach John Konecki was pleased with the outcome, but not satisfied. "Our play at times was not up to the championship standards of the Chicago Force. We had far too many self-inflicted mistakes throughout the contest. We need to continue to put in the work at practice and off the field of play if we want to stay near the top of the WFA. I knew that the beginning of the season would be rough because of the addition of new players and I believe we are nearing the end of that rough patch and still have the best football to play in front of us."

The Force have a bye this weekend and then host a divisional matchup against the Indy Crash on May 9th at Lane Stadium.

For tickets and more information please visit chicagoforcefootball.com or call the Force ticket line at 312-371-7813.

Photo Credit: John Olson