Gameday Recap

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A Perfect 8 - 0

Chicago, IL. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to play on a team in any sport and have the opportunity to end up with an unblemished record it is something that the participants never forget. Way back in January, when the Force first started out their quest for a championship, finishing the regular season undefeated didn’t sound far fetched to the players and coaches. Last Saturday at Holmgren Athletic Complex in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the Force jogged onto the field with the confidence and swagger of a top team. From an execution standpoint the Force were efficient on both sides of the ball, and dominated the Wisconsin Wolves enroute to a 42-7 victory and a perfect 8-0 record for only the second time in franchise history. While the team certainly realized their accomplishment, the celebration wasn’t over the top, as they know there is a lot of work still to be done. “ Don’t get me wrong, this is such a great feeling for me and the entire organization,” said Pam Schaffrath, who was voted the Defensive MVP of the game because of her devastating hits on the Wolves’ ball carriers. “Now we need to think, act and play like the champions that we are. I’m not a very vocal person, but I will be sending that message to all of my teammates.”

The defense, which has set the table for the offense all season, created the first scoring opportunity of the game when S Linda Bache made an impressive acrobatic interception literally on her back at 10:35 of the opening quarter at the Wolves’ 38 yard line. Six plays later the hand-off of QB Sami Grisafe to RB Melissa Smith resulted in a one yard scoring blast. The extra point by Carolyn Lee spotted the Force a 7-0 advantage. The winning score came from the arm of Grisafe when she rolled to her left at the 11 yard line, and hit WR Angie Bandstra, who made a highlight reel, arms stretched out reception in the corner of the end zone. The Wolves did post their only tally at the nine minute mark of the second quarter when QB Petra Olsen connected with WR McGee Steffes on a 59 scoring strike. Winning teams need talent and a little luck. That was the case when a shanked Wolves punt from their own 28, went backwards to the 22. One play later, Smith followed her block by OL Dawn Pederson right up the middle for pay dirt. Smith was voted the Offensive MVP, racking up 73 yards on 8 carries, with three touchdowns.

The Force wide receiver corps of Bandstra, Patricia Harper, and Albi Zhubi lead the division in total receptions and yardage, and all contributed to the fifth score of the day. Zhubi got things rolling, pulling in a 14 Grisafe pass. Harper streaked up the middle for a 15 yard reception. Bandstra caught a quick 3 yard out pass. Zhubi capped it off with a 4 yard touchdown. Standouts on defense also included Tricia Charbonneau who had a quarterback sack, Darcy Leslie, Jessica McPeake, Amanda Malsch, Kara Wabbel, and Jessica Bords. Special teams deserve credit for good field coverage, led by Lori Kunc, Annette Bravo, Diane Didier, Erin Buteau, Michelle Gottschalk, Michelle Kania, and Jennifer Benson.

“We seem to be peaking at just the right time,” said Coach Rich Bradford. “The playoffs are what you work for all season. We need to get it down.”

The Force earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs and hosts the Detroit Demolition June 28th. Game time is 3pm