Gameday Recap

May 22, 2006

Contact: George Howe, Media Relations (773) 368-4848
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago Force Run Record to 3-1

Altoona Ia. The Chicago Force shook off a sluggish first half that allowed the Iowa Crush and their boisterous home fans to feel that they had a chance for a victory, until Chicago came out of the locker room with a vengeance and powered their way to a 20-6 win to go to 3-1 on the season.

Despite multiple penalties, missed assignments and sloppy play by the offense, the Force defense continued their steady ways led by DB Linda Bache, LB Pam Schaffrath, and rising star DB Jennifer Dulski, to hold the Crush scoreless. Force head coach Jim Stahl gave a passionate, animated tongue lashing to his team at halftime. Chicago took the opening possession of the third quarter, led by RB Melissa Smith and the entire offensive line, and went 52 yards on 8 plays to open up the scoring on a 6 yard run by FB Becky Thuestad. Smith had a break out game bowling over defenders on her way to an impressive 159 yards rushing, a td, and two point conversion.

The offensive line had fire in their eyes and made things easy for Smith and company by blowing open holes with sustained blocking. Deserving special mention are Jessica Andrasko, Stacey Baker, Keesha Brooks, Cynde Hafer, Michele Maeder, Colleen Fahrner and Trish Nelson. The Force closed out the quarter tallying 14 unanswered points with an impressive 25 yard td run by Flanker Bridget Manabat. Last season's rookie of the year Jessica McPeake, back from injury, helped set up the final score with a strong 13 yard gallop. Three plays later Smith bulldozed in from the five.

Because of the strong play in the second half, the Force had the luxury of making substitutions. The mother daughter tandem of LB Christine Wheeler and RB Tamera Hunter made their presence known. Wheeler kept a solid watch over the left side of the defense, while Hunter took a handoff and burst down the left sideline for a nifty 31 yard gain. DE Jain Shuster, DT Jenn Schulz combined for a crushing tackle stacking up the Crush at the line of scrimmage.

Although coach Stahl wasn't satisfied with his team's first half performance he liked how his squad reacted to adversity. "I'm happy with the effort put forth in the second half" explained Stahl. "We are striving to put together four quarters of good play. "You find out how important the little things are that came together in the second half" added assistant coach Bill Smith.

The Force host the Detroit Predators Saturday May 27 at Lane Stadium, game time is at 3pm.

For more information regarding the Chicago Force Women's Tackle Football team, visit www.chicagoforcefootball.com. Or contact Linda Bache, General Manager, (630) 675-1339