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vs.
CHICAGO FORCE - Wisconsin Warriors
[4/17/2010]
Result: 30-7 W

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

Force Defense Key to Victory

KENOSHA, WI. This was the kind of game that gives coaches nightmares. Head Coach John Konecki watched in quiet disbelief while his offense imploded throughout the first half. They were their own worst enemy with 5 turnovers – 4 in the first half – essentially keeping themselves out of the end zone. The game would be decided by the Force defense, which has not yet given up a score.

Chicago’s initial possession ended when Jamie Menzyk fumbled on her only carry of the game. The Warriors safety picked up the loose ball and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. Wisconsin kicked the extra point to go up 7-0.

Chicago’s second possession ended at the Wisconsin 26 yard line when QB Sami Grisafe made her only bad throw of the night, resulting in a Wisconsin interception. Fortunately, the Wisconsin offense immediately returned the favor by lofting a pass into the grasp of Force CB Dorian Bridges who returned the interception 7 yards to the WI 31 yard line.

After a couple of first downs, Grisafe found WR Jeanette Gray open in the corner of the end zone. But Gray failed to secure the pass, and the Warrior cornerback took it away for another interception with just over 2 minutes left in the half.

The Force defense came up big again, forcing a quick three and out from Wisconsin. Chicago started from the WI 39 yard line with 1:40 left on the clock. After a couple of dropped passes, Grisafe connected with WR Albi Zhubi who made a circus catch and went out of bounds at the 1 yard line. The Force offensive line asserted its dominance, allowing Grisafe to score easily on a keeper. The 2 point conversion attempt failed, and the Force trailed 7-6 at halftime.

On Chicago’s first play of the 3rd quarter QB Grisafe fumbled, giving Wisconsin the ball at Chicago’s 30 yard line. The Force defense held, with DE Amanda Malsch and LB Alisha Brennon sacking the Warrior QB for a 7 yard loss. After a punt, the Force offense took over at their own 11 yard line. Grisafe connected with Zhubi twice for 49 and 12 yards. A series of runs by the Force power offense brought the ball to the 3 yard line where the turnover monster reared its ugly head once again. RB Cat Converse’s fumble at the one yard line was recovered by Wisconsin. The aggressive Force defense was hungry for a safety. The Warriors showed a lack of confidence in their run game by opting to pass from their own end zone. LB Jessica Kirincich intercepted at the 8 yard line. Two plays later QB Grisafe scored on another keeper and then found WR Dana Vermilye for the two point conversion, giving Chicago their first lead of the game 14-7.

The Force defense held again, forcing Wisconsin to punt. LB Angie Bandstra made the play of the game when she burst through from the left side to block the punt, giving Chicago the ball on the Wisconsin 15 yard line. On the second play RB Carolyn Lee scored on an 11 yard run. Grisafe made a perfect pass to TE Kim Marks in the corner for another 2 point conversion to go up 22-7.

Another 3 and out by the Warrior offense, gave Chicago the ball at their own 43 yard line. This possession was all Lee as she carried 6 times for 57 yards and a TD. For the day Lee had 21 carries for 133 yards. Grisafe hit Gray on a slant pass for the 2 point conversion for the final margin of victory 30-7.

Game balls were given to Zhubi for sparking the offense back to life, and to Coach Anthony Stone and his defense for a dominant performance that included 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, a punt block, and numerous 3 and outs.

The Force host the defending champion KC Tribe on May 1st in a game with huge playoff implications. Game time is 3pm.