Gameday Recap

Force Pummel Mayhem 76-3

Vicksburg, MI – The Chicago Force scored early and often in a divisional game against the overmatched West Michigan Mayhem, extending their undefeated streak to seven games. On the opening kickoff Chicago player Elizabeth Strozinsky flew down the sideline and recovered the live ball before the Mayhem returner could get to it, giving Chicago possession at the West Michigan 37 yard line. QB Sami Grisafe completed four straight passes before handing off to RB Jessica Springer, who powered it in for a 12 yard touchdown. Albiona Zhubi ran the two point attempt into the corner of the endzone to give Chicago an 8-0 lead just two minutes into the game.

The Mayhem put together a time-consuming 57 yard drive that resulted in a 30 yard field goal to cut Chicago's lead to 8-3, with just under two minutes left in the first quarter. A block in the back penalty on the ensuing kickoff pushed Chicago back to their own five yard line. On the first play Springer took the handoff and cut through the Mayhem defenders like a hot knife through butter, sprinting 95 yards for her second touchdown. She would score touchdowns on her next 3 carries, as well. The potent Force offense scored on every possession in the first half, which ended with the Force up 42-3.

The second half was more of the same, with West Michigan struggling to put together a sustained drive, while the Force offense capitalized on each possession. Springer finished with 233 yards on 10 carries, and 5 TD's (4 rushing, 1 receiving). Grisafe had another excellent game completing 17 of 22 attempts for 229 yards, 4 TD passes and one interception (an on-target throw that the receiver batted into the defender's hands). Grisafe distributed the ball well, completing passes to each of her receivers, including two TD passes to newly activated WR Brandi Srda. Runningback Leslie Johnson also scored a touchdown, and kicker Tricia Charbonneau converted on a 20 yard field goal attempt in the third quarter, the first on the season.

On the defensive side of the ball Chicago again started slowly but finished strong. The top tackler in the game was linebacker Darcy Leslie with 12.5 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception. LB Amber Burns had 8.5 tackles and LB Sami Scurto had an interception that she returned for a touchdown. The final play of the game was an interception by safety Candace Griffin that she returned 83 yards for a touchdown. Final score, Chicago 76, West Michigan 3.

The Force will be on the road for the final game of the regular season on June 18 vs. the Indy Crash, kickoff at 7pm. Another dominating win could give the Force home field advantage for the first two rounds of playoffs.