August 3, 2013, 9 p.m. ET, Balboa Stadium, San Diego, Calif.
Video stream: ESPN 3
Current line: Chicago Force by 20.5
Massey prediction: Chicago 58 – Dallas 26
Although I’d never be one to say that a lot has been written about a women’s tackle football game, it seems like there has been quite a lot written lately about the Chicago Force’s grand quest to finally notch a win in the big one.
Here are a few that have have the backstory, front story, facts and figures and stuff you would normally see in a game preview.
I haven’t seen one article that focuses on the Dallas Diamonds, their player’s personal stories, or their equally impressive mission to win their fifth championship, which would be a record for most in all of women’s football history (and tied with the now defunct Detroit Demolition).
It’s pretty clear the Chicago Force are getting all the media attention.
Not to mention Sami Grisafe blowin’ up my Twitter feed the past week when the video of her vocal and ukelele performance of our national anthem at the 2013 IFAF Women’s World Championship went viral.
So, let’s talk about Sami Grisafe, ha. She’s already announced that she will be retiring at the end of the season to pursue a promising career in music and entertainment. It’s do or die, now or never. It all comes down to this. You can throw in every cliché you can think of, but her story, and the story of the 2013 Chicago Force, really does all come down to a moment.
It seems that the Force are on a roll, and Grisafe has been playing like every game is her last, and tonight, it actually will be. Because she has already announced her retirement, tonight’s headlines will be all about Grisafe, no matter what happens. She will either be hailed as the John Elway of women’s football, or failed as the Jim Kelly.
But what about the Dallas Diamonds? Yes, they are huge underdogs. They are out of the spotlight; darkhorses with an undefeated record. If they can avoid the mistakes the Boston Militia made when they fell to the Force two weeks ago (slow start on offense, inability to make in-game adjustments before halftime, giving up big plays on defense), I think their defense will make big plays and shock the women’s football world.
[Editor’s note: These 11th hour game previews are brought to you by Backseat Coach, who – no lie – wrote them on his iPhone while we were travelling to Chicago this morning. That’s skill.]
The fourth round of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) playoffs are the conference championships. There are 4 teams remaining; 3 teams (Boston, Chicago, and Dallas) reached the conference championships last year. This is the first time the central Cal War Angels have reached a conference championship game.
Boston Militia (10-0) vs Chicago Force (10-0)
July 20, 2013, 7 p.m. ET, Lazier Field, Evanston, Ill.
Audio stream: http://www.chicagoforcefootball.com/live.asp
In-game updates: @chicagoforce @bostonmilitia @backseatcoach
Current line: none
Massey prediction: Chicago 60 – Boston 44
Both of these teams have been to the conference championship before, and in the past two seasons, they have met each other in this game. Against each other, each team is 1-1.
The Militia seeks redemption for last year’s dramatic one-point loss.
With their status as a perpetual also-ran becoming more solidified following a loss to the San Diego Surge in last year’s WFA Championship game, the Force are desperate to win its first championship, especially now that franchise quarterback Sami Grisafe has announced this season will be her last playing football.
But when it comes to picking a winner, none of that matters, because I’m a complete homer.
Backseat Coach picks: Boston Militia
Central Cal War Angels (11-0) vs Dallas Diamonds (10-0)
July 20, 2013, 8 p.m. ET, Pennington Field, Bedford, Tex.
In-game updates: unknown
Current line: None
Massey prediction: None
The Dallas Diamonds are distinguished as one of women’s football’s most successful franchises, winning a record 4 league championships in 5 years. But since winning its last ring in 2008, Dallas has failed to reach the big game, due in part to the emergence of strong western teams like the the San Diego Surge who knocked the Diamonds out of the playoffs consecutively in 2011 and 2012.
This year, with the Surge now out of the way having fallen in the league quarterfinals, Dallas sees its opportunity to get to their first chance at a WFA championship. And unlike recent seasons, they get to play the conference championship game at home.
Only thing is the Central Cal War Angels stand in their way. The War Angels have thus far been very impressive, and have thoroughly dominated its competition, including a solid victory last week over the Diamonds’ nemesis the San Diego Surge.
While there is something a bit shadowy about the War Angels that leaves a kernel of doubt in my mind that they seem too good to be true, there is no logical reason to doubt them on the field of on this game.
Backseat Coach picks: Central Cal War Angels
Last Round’s Results
Boston Militia 58, DC Divas 34
Chicago Force 84, Atlanta Phoenix 0
Dallas Diamonds 35, St. Louis Slam 20
Central Cal War Angels 40, San Diego Surge 14
Backseat Coach’s win-loss record in playoffs: 18-4
Massey Predictions and Zermelo Ratings by John Spatz, EZ Football Rankings.
Point spreads by Steve Mark, courtesy of New York Sharks.
[Ed. note: These recaps come to us from DC Divas’ staff writer Neal Rozendaal, whom Backseat Coach and I got to meet in person at Saturday’s game (goofy photographic evidence of this exists and will be posted as soon as I swipe BSC’s iPhone and email the pics to myself). As ever: thanks, DC Neal!]
Click any of the scores to expand the recap for that game:
[toggle title=”Boston 58, DC 34″]
Boston, MA – The Boston Militia scored three unanswered touchdowns to break open a 36-34 game late in the third quarter and outlasted the DC Divas, 58-34. The Militia (10-0) received their toughest first-half challenge of the season, holding a slim 29-28 advantage at halftime. DC running back Kenyetta Grigsby brought the Divas (6-4) within two points at 36-34 midway through the third quarter with her fifth rushing touchdown of the game.
But Militia running back Whitney Zelee rushed for her third score of the game late in the period to put Boston ahead, 44-34. The Militia then put the contest away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to provide the final margin. Boston quarterback Alison Cahill capped off the scoring by racing to the end zone for her fourth rushing touchdown of the contest with under seven minutes remaining in the game.
Boston advances to the National Conference championship game for the fifth straight season, where they will face the Chicago Force. The Divas suffered their fourth consecutive playoff loss against Boston, a women’s professional football record. They end their season with a record of 6-4, with three of those losses at the hands of the Militia.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Chicago 84, Atlanta 0″]
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Force advanced to the conference championship game by thoroughly dominating the Atlanta Phoenix and pitching an 84-0 shutout. The Force (10-0) scored their first touchdown less than a minute and a half into the game and held a 46-0 lead at halftime.
The Atlanta Phoenix (9-1) were no match for the powerful offense of the Force. Chicago and Team USA gold medal-winning quarterback Sami Grisafe threw ten touchdown passes, and Force wide receiver Jeanette Gray hauled in seven of those scoring tosses.
The Chicago Force advance to the Eastern Conference championship game, where they will face the Boston Militia in a rematch of last year’s National Conference title game. In 2012, the Force edged the Militia in a highly entertaining contest, 35-34, and the winner of this year’s matchup will once again represent the East for the WFA championship.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Dallas 35, St. Louis 20″]
St. Louis, MO – The Dallas Diamonds passed their first challenge of the season with flying colors. Diamonds quarterback Odessa Jenkins rushed for four touchdowns – including two in the second half as Dallas rallied from a halftime deficit – and the Diamonds defeated the St. Louis Slam, 35-20.
The Slam (7-4), who were allowed to host the conference semifinals thanks to their road victory over the Kansas City Titans in the previous round, got off to a strong start in their friendly surroundings. St. Louis led Dallas, 17-14, at halftime, but the Diamonds (10-0) came out in the second half ready for action. Less than three minutes into the third period, Jenkins rushed for a touchdown that gave Dallas the lead for good, 22-17.
No team had stayed within five touchdowns of the Diamonds all season, but St. Louis pushed Dallas to the limit; the Slam held the Diamonds to a season-low point total and kicked a field goal with ten minutes remaining in the contest to shave the Diamonds’ lead to 28-20. But Jenkins put the game away seconds later with her fourth rushing touchdown of the contest, and Dallas’ defense kept St. Louis out of the end zone in the second half to keep the Slam at bay.
The Dallas Diamonds will host the 2013 WFA American Conference championship game, advancing to the conference title game for the fourth consecutive season. The Diamonds have lost in the conference championship round each of the last three years, but all three of those losses were on the road. For the first time since 2006, the Diamonds will host a conference title game in Dallas.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Central Cal 40, San Diego Surge 14″]
Fresno, CA – The Central Cal War Angels used four second-half touchdowns to overcome a halftime deficit, and they advanced to the American Conference championship game by eliminating the defending league champion San Diego Surge, 40-14.
The Surge (9-2) traded touchdowns with Central Cal in the first half en route to a 14-13 halftime lead. With their second touchdown, San Diego became the first WFA team to score two touchdowns against the War Angels defense this season.
A strong second-half effort clinched the contest for the War Angels (11-0). Central Cal quarterback Chantel Wiggins threw four touchdown passes in the game, three to wide receiver Jamie Fornal and the other to wide receiver Lisa King; King, along with her husband Jeff, is the co-owner of the WFA. The War Angels notched two touchdowns to take a 26-14 lead after three quarters and added two more touchdowns in the final period for the 40-14 victory.
With the win, the Central Cal War Angels move on to their first conference championship game in franchise history. The War Angels will travel to Dallas to take on the Diamonds, who will be playing in their eighth conference title game.
[Editor’s note: All game previews were written by Backseat Coach, who is really good at stuff like game previews.]
The third round of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) playoffs are the conference semifinals. There are 8 teams remaining; 5 of these teams (Militia, Divas, Force, Surge, Diamonds) are making a return visit from last year.
Click any of the matchups to expand the preview for that game:
[toggle title=”DC Divas (7-3) vs Boston Militia (9-0)”]
July 13, 2013, 6 p.m. ET, Dilboy Stadium, Somerville, Mass.
Video stream: http://www.livestream.com/bostonmilitia
In-game updates: @divasfootball @bostonmilitia @backseatcoach
Current line: Militia (home) are favored by 26.5
Massey prediction: Divas 36 – Militia 62
The Divas advanced to Round 3 of the playoffs by soundly defeating a resurgent Columbus Comets squad. The Boston Militia slaughtered the Pittsburgh Passion to set up yet another playoff tilt with the Divas. This will be a record-setting fifth consecutive year the Divas and the Militia have faced each other in the postseason.
This classic rivalry was birthed in 2009 during DC’s sole playoff victory against Boston, which was decided in dramatic fashion in the final minute and propelled the Divas into the league championship game. Since then, however, Boston has prevailed upon the Divas, winning 8 of 9 matchups, including three consecutive playoff wins, while also collecting two national championships in 2010 and 2011.
Backseat Coach picks: Boston Militia[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Atlanta Phoenix (10-0) vs Chicago Force (9-0)”]
July 13, 2013, 7 p.m. ET, Lazier Field, Evanston, Ill.
Audio stream: http://www.chicagoforcefootball.com/live.asp
In-game updates: @forcegameday @atlanta_phoenix
Current line: Force (home) are favored by 30.5
Massey prediction: Phoenix 6 – Force 74
After quelling the Cleveland Fusion, the Chicago Force host the Atlanta Phoenix, who advanced to Round 3 of the playoffs by defeating the plucky, pesky Miami Fury.
This will be the only matchup of undefeated teams this week, but unfortunately the teams make for the biggest mismatch of Round 3. Atlanta has impressively reached the conference semifinals in only its second season, but the inescapable Chicago Force will put an anti-climactic end to the joyride.
Backseat Coach picks: Chicago Force[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Dallas Diamonds (9-0) vs St. Louis Slam (7-3)”]
July 13, 2013, 8 p.m. ET, Oakville High School Stadium, St. Louis, Mo.
In-game updates: @mamarcus17
Current line: Diamonds (visiting) are favored by 24
Massey prediction: Diamonds 45 – Slam 31
The undefeated Dallas Diamonds advanced to Round 3 of the playoffs by overpowering the Austin Outlaws. In its biggest game since the 2010 National Conference championship, the St. Louis Slam finally knocked off archrival Kansas City Titans to advance to Round 3.
Though Dallas is favored in most every way, league playoff travel rules enable the St. Louis Slam to host this matchup. That could be a pretty big deal for an upstart team whose rushing attack just had a breakout performance (417 yards, 8 touchdowns) against an elite team. Kate Evers, Taylor Hay, and Co., will have to replicate that performance to keep up with the offensive firepower of the Diamonds. It’s a tall order since Dallas’ defense has not given up more than one touchdown in any game this season. But playing at home may provide the spark St. Louis needs.
Backseat Coach picks: Dallas Diamonds[/toggle]
[toggle title=”San Diego Surge (9-1) vs Central Cal War Angels (10-0)”]
July 13, 2013, 10 p.m. ET, Deran Koligian Football Stadium, Fresno, Calif.
In-game updates: San Diego Surge Facebook Page
Current line: War Angels (home) are favored by 5.5
Massey prediction: Surge 22 – War Angels 39
The San Diego Surge handily dispatched the Sacramento Sirens and the Central Cal War Angels loudly smote the Utah Jynx to advance to Round 3 of the playoffs.
Let’s just get right to the heart of the matter. This game is THE litmus test for the War Angels. On the field, the War Angels have been dominant. They have defeated all comers. They have outright walloped competitive teams like the Sirens, the Jynx, and the Portland Shockwave. But come playoff time, are any of those teams as tough as the San Diego Surge?
Over the past few years, WFA co-owners Jeff and Lisa have been building their flagship team, steadily improving, and this year going as deep into the playoffs as they ever have. But can they be as well prepared as the San Diego Surge, who have advanced this far into the playoffs, and further, in every season of its existence?
As I said in my Round 2 previews, the Surge is a very different team this year compared to last year, with players and staff together facing some huge internal challenges. But champions know how to win despite obstacles, and the Surge have done that this season. Can the War Angels contend with a team that may have already faced the biggest challenge it will see this season, that being the challenge of reshaping and adapting itself?
We will find out the answers to those questions soon. The San Diego Surge are the yardstick by which the War Angels will measure the strength of their team and the success of their season.
Backseat Coach picks: San Diego Surge[/toggle]
Last Round’s Results
Pittsburgh Passion 28, Boston Militia 63
Columbus Comets 12, DC Divas 40
Cleveland Fusion 7, Chicago Force 65
Miami Fury 24, Atlanta Phoenix 28,
St. Louis Slam 58, Kansas City Titans 55
Austin Outlaws 6, Dallas Diamonds 61
Utah Jynx 6, Central Cal War Angels 65
Sacramento Sirens 13, San Diego Surge 39
Backseat Coach’s win-loss record in playoffs: 15-3 (83.33%)
Massey Predictions and Zermelo Ratings by John Spatz, EZ Football Rankings. Point spreads by Steve Mark, courtesy of New York Sharks.
[Editor’s note: this article comes to us from Chris Jaunsen, who was kind enough to indulge our request for a recap of the prior round’s Atlanta Phoenix game and then really outdid himself with this one. Can you imagine if we had this for more games? How cool would that be? Thanks, Chris!]
Editor’s other note: You can download Chris’s fantastically detailed play-by-play stat record of the game here. WFA, take note!
SANDY SPRINGS, GA – A battle between two undefeated national league division champions, Round 2’s match-up between the Atlanta Phoenix (9-0) and the visiting Miami Fury (8-0) would determine the best team in the southeast for the 2013 WFA season. The Atlanta Phoenix, fresh off a nail-biting 24-19 win over Tampa Bay, would have to improve their game and return to the offensive prowess they demonstrated over the regular season that had them ranked 6th in scoring across the league. The Miami Fury did not have to play a Round 1 playoff game as the Savannah Sabers forfeited and the 4th ranked defense’s unscheduled bye week might have proven costly. The teams’ only previous match-up occurred early in the 2012 season: a confidence boosting 48-32 win for the brand new Phoenix squad in only their second game ever.
Miami brought just 18 active players to Atlanta, but the shorthanded squad did not tire quickly. Even as Atlanta was quick to the line on offense throughout, Miami did not back down and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout much of the contest. They controlled time of possession by a landslide, having the ball on offense for at least 10 minutes in each of the first 3 quarters. Lead by quarterback Keondra Greer and fullback Brittani Johnson, the Fury would post a 151-49 yard rushing advantage in the first half. Huge mistakes and crucial penalties however would haunt them in this game. The Fury only had 11 penalties all season, and in this game alone they would be flagged 9 times for 45 yards.
Launa Sims, the Atlanta multi-threat dynamo of a running back, receiver, cornerback and kick returner had a huge game; receiving for 2 touchdowns, running for another and would eventually account for a staggering 331 all-purpose yards. If that wasn’t enough, Miami also had to contend with Atlanta quarterback Lanesha Hargraves, whose two 2-point conversion runs would prove to be the ultimate difference in the game. The Phoenix’s quick-strike ability and penchant for coast-to-coast touchdown scoring plays (3 of their touchdowns would be over 50 yards) would provide a dramatic contrast to the Fury’s methodical strategy.
Click any of the scores to expand the recap for that game:
By Neal Rozendaal
[toggle title=”DC 40, Columbus 12″]
Washington, DC – Quarterback Allyson Hamlin scored five touchdowns – four passing and one rushing – and linebacker Trigger McNair had two interceptions on defense to lead the DC Divas to their third victory of the season over the Columbus Comets, 40-12.
The Divas broke open a 6-6 game in the second quarter with three touchdowns in the period. The highlight play was turned in by McNair, who intercepted a pass by Columbus quarterback Crystal Davis. After a brief return, McNair lateraled the ball to Eleni Kotsis, who ran the final 42 yards for a DC touchdown.
Hamlin threw her fourth touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter to pad the Divas’ lead to 40-6. The Divas advanced to the conference semifinals for the ninth time in franchise history, where they will face the Boston Militia.
Boston, MA – The Boston Militia scored six unanswered touchdowns in the span of thirteen minutes, and Boston started their playoff journey in impressive fashion by handing the Pittsburgh Passion a 63-28 defeat.
Pittsburgh and Boston exchanged touchdowns to start the game, but Pittsburgh’s offense failed to keep up with the relentless Militia onslaught. A 7-7 contest quickly turned into a 49-7 Boston advantage with 6:22 left in the second quarter, and the Militia held a 56-14 halftime lead.
Boston notched their ninth touchdown of the game less than four minutes into the second half and coasted from there. They move on to the conference semifinals, where they will host the DC Divas.
Chicago, IL – The defending Eastern Conference champion Chicago Force took their first step toward returning to the WFA championship game with a dominating 65-7 victory over the Cleveland Fusion.
Running backs Mary Choules and Brandy Hatcher rushed for five combined touchdowns and quarterback Sami Grisafe threw three touchdown passes to pace the Force. Defensively, the Force completely shut out Cleveland’s offense; the Fusion’s only touchdown came on a Grisafe interception that was returned for a score.
It was an abrupt end to a magical season for the Fusion, who started the season 9-0. Their nine victories were a record for a franchise that dates back to 2002. The Chicago Force, on the other hand, are one of the greatest women’s football franchises that has never won a league championship; Chicago was upset in last year’s WFA championship game by the San Diego Surge, but they are still alive this year in their quest to return and finish the job.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Atlanta 28, Miami 24″]
Atlanta, GA – The extra point attempt after a touchdown is an often-overlooked detail in football, but the Atlanta Phoenix are advancing to the conference semifinals largely because of their attention to it.
The Phoenix and the Miami Fury each scored four touchdowns, but the Phoenix’s two successful two-point conversions made the difference in a close 28-24 win. Atlanta and Miami both recorded two first half touchdowns, but the Phoenix converted the two-point conversion on their second score to take a 14-12 halftime lead.
The second half was a similar story. Atlanta led, 20-18, in the fourth quarter, when a touchdown and successful two-point conversion increased their lead to 28-18. Miami crossed the end zone with six minutes left to cut their deficit to 28-24, but their four failed extra point conversions kept them four points behind and they would get no closer.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”St. Louis 58, Kansas City 55″]
Kansas City, MO – For the St. Louis Slam, the third time was the charm. The Slam lost to their division rivals, the Kansas City Titans, twice in the regular season. But the Slam prevailed in a wild shootout Saturday, 58-55, to pull off the biggest upset of the conference quarterfinals.
St. Louis quarterback Kate Evers did her damage on the ground, rushing for six touchdowns. Her teammate Taylor Hay also rushed for two touchdowns and drilled a critical fourth quarter field goal that eventually provided the final margin.
The Slam jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but the Titans fought back to tie the game in the second quarter, 21-21. The two teams furiously exchanged scores until midway through the third quarter, when consecutive touchdowns by Evers gave St. Louis a 49-34 advantage.
Kansas City made the score 49-40 after three quarters, but Evers’ sixth touchdown of the game pushed the lead back out to 55-40 early in the final period. Hay’s field goal minutes later in a 55-48 contest put the Slam back ahead by two scores; those three points proved crucial when the Titans notched their eighth touchdown of the game to slice the deficit to 58-55. The St. Louis Slam, the 2009 WFA champions, ran out the clock on a stunning upset and will host the Dallas Diamonds in the conference semifinals.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Dallas 61, Austin 6″]
Dallas, TX – No team has been able to stay within five touchdowns of the Dallas Diamonds this season. The Austin Outlaws weren’t able to change that trend Saturday, as the Diamonds coasted to a 61-6 triumph.
Dallas defeated the Outlaws twice in the regular season by a combined score of 104-0, so Austin hoped to get off to a good start in their third meeting. But Dallas quickly recovered an Austin fumble, and less than two minutes into the game, they converted it into a touchdown pass from quarterback Brittany Bushman to wide receiver Alberta Fitcheard-Brydson. The Diamonds rolled from there, building a 27-6 lead after one quarter and a 41-6 advantage by halftime.
The Dallas Diamonds, who have the most wins in women’s football history, travel to St. Louis to face the Slam in a conference semifinal game. The Diamonds will try to qualify for the conference championship game for the fourth consecutive season.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Central Cal 65, Utah Jynx 6″]
Fresno, CA – The Central Cal War Angels advanced to the conference semifinals by shattering the Cinderella slipper of the Utah Jynx, winning 65-6.
The Jynx pulled off the biggest upset of the first round of the WFA playoffs by knocking off the previously undefeated Seattle Majestics. They were hoping to continue their magical run against Central Cal, the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season. The War Angels dismissed such notions early, building a 41-0 lead at halftime and extending it to 55-0 after three quarters.
Defensively, Central Cal continued their season-long streak of not allowing more than one touchdown to WFA opponents. The War Angels have never advanced to a conference championship game, but they will play for the right to do so when they host the defending WFA champion San Diego Surge in the conference semifinals.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”San Diego Surge 39, Sacramento 13″]
San Diego, CA – The reigning WFA champion San Diego Surge took their first step toward defending their title by eliminating longtime women’s football powerhouse Sacramento, 39-13.
The Surge started their championship defense in impressive fashion, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. They then added two more touchdowns to open up a 19-0 advantage by the second quarter. But the Sacramento Sirens, making a record 11th playoff appearance, refused to fold, scoring two touchdowns of their own to get back in the game and trail by only six at halftime, 19-13.
San Diego took control in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter for a 33-13 lead and tacking on another in the fourth for the final margin. The Surge next hit the road to face the Fresno-based Central Cal War Angels in a matchup of the two remaining California teams still alive in the WFA playoffs.
The second round of the Womens Football Alliance (WFA) playoffs are the conference quarterfinals. There are 16 teams remaining; eight have at least one league championship title.
Click any of the matchups to expand the preview for that game:
[toggle title=”Columbus Comets (5-4) vs DC Divas (5-3)”]
June 22, 2013, 6 p.m. ET, Prince George’s Sports Complex, Landover, Md.
In-game updates: @divasfootball@columbuscomets
Current line: Divas (home) are favored by 26
Massey prediction: Comets 21 – Divas 49
As Division 2 champions, the DC Divas earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs; DC edged rival Pittsburgh for the division title with a narrow point-differential advantage. The wildcard Columbus Comets advanced to Round 2 by defeating the New York Sharks 22-20.
There will be very little unfamiliarity in this matchup of Division 2 foes; this will be the fifth meeting between the two squads over the past two years with the Divas winning all four previous contests. Over the course of those four regular season games, however, the Divas’ margin of victory has grown smaller and smaller. Look for that trend to continue if Columbus can avoid costly turnovers, but expect DC’s rushing attack to eventually outpace the Comets.
Backseat Coach picks: DC Divas
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Cleveland Fusion (9-0) vs Chicago Force (8-0)”]
As Division 4 champions, the Chicago Force earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Division 3 champion Cleveland Fusion advanced to this American Conference quarterfinal by smashing division rival West Michigan Mayhem 35-6 in the first round of the playoffs.
Clevelands much heralded defense will be put to the test when they face the defending National Conference champion Chicago Force. Chicago averages a league-best 61.9 points per game on offense, while the Fusion averages a league-best 2.2 points per game on defense. Though both teams were founded over 10 years ago, they met for the first time only last year in the regular season — Chicago prevailed 48-0.
Backseat Coach picks: Chicago Force
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Pittsburgh Passion (7-2) vs Boston Militia (8-0)”]
As Division 1 champions, the Boston Militia earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Passion advanced to this National Conference quarterfinal by decimating wildcard entry Cincinnati Sizzle in the first round of the playoffs by a score of 63-0.
This contest between the No. 1 ranked Boston Militia and No. 8 ranked Pittsburgh Passion makes for the highest combined ranking of any two teams facing each other in the conference quarterfinals. Boston defeated the Passion at Highmark Stadium earlier this year 42-28, and lead the very short series of head-to-head meetings 2-1. Playing on the road, Pittsburgh faces an uphill battle to even the series and move past Boston in the playoffs; the Passion have not won a postseason game away from home since winning the 2007 NWFA championship in Nashville.
Backseat Coach picks: Boston Militia
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Utah Jynx (7-2) vs Central Cal War Angels (9-0)”]
June 22, 2013, 10 p.m. ET, Groppetti Community Stadium, Visalia, Calif.
Video stream: http://ow.ly/me4z9
Current line: War Angels (home) are favored by 23.5
Massey prediction: Jynx 25 – War Angels 49
In the first round of the playoffs, the Division 11 champion Utah Jynx notched a big 36-26 upset over the previously undefeated Division 10 champion Seattle Majestics, who had stunned the Jynx for their first loss of the season way back in Week 1. The Central Cal War Angels’ stifling defense shut out the visiting Portland Shockwave, 34-0.
Last year, Central Cal defeated Utah in the opening round of the playoffs, but the stakes are even higher this year with a trip to the American Conference semifinals on the line. Expect the powerful Jynx offense to pull out all the stops to disrupt an Angels defense that held all its American Conference opponents to one score or fewer.
Backseat Coach picks: Central Cal War Angels
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Austin Outlaws (7-2) vs Dallas Diamonds (8-0)”]
As Division 9 champions, the Dallas Diamonds earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Their division foes, the Austin Outlaws, advanced to this American Conference quarterfinal by thrashing the Little Rock Wildcats 35-0.
Austin is enjoying its first winning season since the Diamonds joined them in the WFA in 2011. Prior to that, the Outlaws had compiled seven consecutive winning seasons. The Diamonds boast four championship rings from other leagues, and a total of nine division titles in its 11-year history.
This will be the third meeting of these division rivals this year. Dallas thoroughly dominated the Outlaws in two previous meetings this year, going 2-0 by a combined score of 104-0. The Diamonds have never lost to the Outlaws in its history, going 6-0 by a combined score of 330-28. Look for the Diamonds to continue its winning tradition.
Backseat Coach picks: Dallas Diamonds
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Sacramento Sirens (6-3) vs San Diego Surge (8-1)”]
June 22, 2013, 8:30 p.m. ET, Santana High School, Santee, Calif.
In-game updates: San Diego Surge Facebook Page, @msmsl2u
Current line: Surge (home) are favored by 17
Massey prediction: Sirens 22 – Surge 41
Qualifying for an historic eleventh playoffs, the Sacramento Sirens advanced to the second round of the playoffs by defeating the Pacific Warriors 25-6. The San Diego Surge, Division 13 champions and 2012 WFA champions, reached this American Conference quarterfinal by obliterating the Las Vegas Showgirlz 78-14.
This matchup is one of teams in transition. After ten seasons in the IWFL establishing itself as one of women’s tackle football’s most successful franchises, the Sacramento Sirens are the new kids in the WFA this year. They are only 2-3 against WFA opponents, but one of those wins was against San Diego.
The “new look” Surge has shed roster size significantly from last year, and are without veteran QB Melissa Gallegos. Despite having several multi-talented players such as Knengi Martin, Melissa Strother, and 2012 WFA Championship MVP Cassey Brick, San Diego is averaging 10 fewer points per game on offense and allowing 7 points more per game on defense compared to their championship season.
Backseat Coach picks: San Diego Surge
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Miami Fury (9-0) vs Atlanta Phoenix (9-0)”]
June 22, 2013, 7 p.m. ET, North Springs Stadium, Sandy Springs, Ga.
Current line: Phoenix (home) are favored by 1
Massey prediction: Fury 16 – Phoenix 21
In the first round of the playoffs, the Miami Fury was the beneficiary of a forfeit by a depleted Savannah Sabers team, though it may have cost them home-field advantage as they now travel to face the Atlanta Phoenix. The Phoenix defeated the Tampa Bay Inferno in a close contest 24-19 to advance to this National Conference quarterfinal.
After an uneven performance last week, the Atlanta Phoenix hope to consistently quiet the upstart Miami Fury who remain undefeated in a worst-to-first regular season. A stingy Miami defense has been flying under the radar all season, but they’ll need to operate out of stealth mode to defeat Atlanta who are averaging 49.6 points per game on offense.
Backseat Coach picks: Miami Fury
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[toggle title=”St. Louis Slam (6-3) vs Kansas City Titans (6-1)”]
June 22, 2013, 8 p.m. ET, Shawnee Mission District Stadium, Overland Park, Kan.
In-game updates: @mamarcus17
Current line: Titans (home) are favored by 17.5
Massey prediction: Slam 20 – Titans 36
As Division 8 champions, the Kansas City Titans earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The St. Louis Slam, who were originally slated to play the Lone Star Mustangs, instead faced the Acadiana Zydeco when the Mustangs could not fulfill their wildcard bid. The substitution resulted in the most lopsided contest of the first playoff round, with the Slam prevailing by a score of 72-0.
When you include past iterations of the Titans organization, these division foes and state rivals have played so many times — this will be the ninth meeting in 3 years — we pretty much know what to expect: a hard-fought game from St. Louis and a victory for Kansas City.
Backseat Coach picks: Kansas City Titans
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Last Week’s Results
Pittsburgh Passion 63, Cincinnati Sizzle 0
Columbus Comets 22, New York Sharks 20
Cleveland Fusion 35, West Michigan Mayhem 6
Atlanta Phoenix 24, Tampa Bay Inferno 19
St. Louis Slam 72, Acadiana Zydeco 0
Austin Outlaws 35, Little Rock Wildcats 0
Utah Jynx 36, Seattle Majestics 26
Central Cal War Angels 34, Portland Shockwave 0
San Diego Surge 78, Las Vegas Showgirlz 14
Sacramento Sirens 25, Pacific Warriors 6
The Miami Fury advanced by forfeit.
Backseat Coach’s win-loss record in playoffs: 9-1
Massey Predictions and Zermelo Ratings by John Spatz, EZ Football Rankings. Point spreads by Steve Mark, courtesy of New York Sharks.
[Ed. note: These recaps come to us from DC Divas’ staff writer Neal Rozendaal. Thanks, DC Neal!]
Austin Outlaws RB Shadana Hurd (#24) stares down her defender during Austin’s shutout and first playoff win at home. Image courtesy of MaryLou Spence; used with permission.
Click any of the scores to expand the recap for that game:
By Neal Rozendaal
[toggle title=”Cleveland 35, West Michigan 6″]
Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Fusion’s record-setting season continues. The Fusion scored four second-half touchdowns to outpace the West Michigan Mayhem, 35-6.
West Michigan, making their first playoff appearance in three years, trailed just 7-6 at halftime. But Cleveland quarterback Beth Andrasik threw three touchdown passes in the second half to put the Mayhem away.
The Fusion finished the regular season with an 8-0 record for the first time in the history of a franchise that dates back to 2002. The win over West Michigan was their ninth of the season, establishing a new team record.
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[toggle title=”Columbus 22, New York 20″]
New York, NY – The Columbus Comets raced out to a 22-0 halftime advantage before holding off a furious New York rally in the final minutes to defeat the Sharks, 22-20.
The Comets, who missed the playoffs last season after seven straight postseason appearances, took command of the game with three first-half touchdowns. The New York Sharks, however, made a late charge behind two scoring passes from quarterback Karen Mulligan. Mulligan’s second touchdown toss with 1:11 remaining in the game shaved the Comets’ lead to just two points.
But Mulligan’s pass on the two-point conversion attempt fell incomplete, and Columbus recovered the ensuing onside kick to preserve the victory.
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[toggle title=”St. Louis 72, Acadiana 0″]
St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Slam built a 44-0 halftime lead and easily dispatched the Acadiana Zydeco, 72-0. St. Louis quarterback Kate Evers threw three touchdowns in the first half, and the Slam defense added a safety and three touchdowns as well. St. Louis returned two interceptions for touchdowns and recovered a fumble in the end zone for another score.
St. Louis, the 2009 WFA champions, advances to face the Kansas City Titans in the conference quarterfinals in a battle for in-state supremacy.
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[toggle title=”San Diego Surge 78, Las Vegas 14″]
San Diego, CA – The Surge scored 64 unanswered points over the last two and a half quarters, and San Diego began their defense of the WFA league championship by defeating the Las Vegas Showgirlz, 78-14. The teams traded touchdowns to start the contest, and the game was tied at 14 midway through the second quarter before San Diego took control.
Running back Cassey Brick was the standout player for the Surge, rushing eight times for 191 yards and four touchdowns, recording another touchdown receiving, and catching a pass for a successful two-point conversion. The Surge, who won the WFA championship in 2012, advance to face the Sacramento Sirens next week.
Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Sirens prevailed in their first WFA playoff game, defeating the Pacific Warriors, 25-6. The Sirens, while in their first season with the WFA, are making their 11th playoff appearance, a record in women’s professional football.
The Sirens advance to take on the defending WFA champion San Diego Surge next week in a conference quarterfinal matchup.
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Passion raced out to a 42-0 lead after one quarter and cruised to a 63-0 victory over the Cincinnati Sizzle. Five different Passion players recorded touchdowns in the first period, setting the tone for Pittsburgh’s largest playoff win in franchise history.
Pittsburgh’s rapid start put a damper on Cincinnati’s first playoff appearance in the history of the nine-year franchise. The Passion kept the Sizzle off the scoreboard, notching the team’s first playoff shutout.
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[toggle title=”Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 19″]
Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Phoenix continued their undefeated season, holding off the Tampa Bay Inferno in a thrilling game, 24-19. Atlanta held a narrow 14-13 lead at halftime before tacking on another touchdown in the second half to extend their advantage to 22-13.
Tampa Bay, making their first playoff appearance after missing the postseason last year despite a 7-1 record, made a late rally. The Inferno scored a touchdown with under three minutes remaining in the contest, cutting Atlanta’s lead to 22-19. But the Phoenix blocked Tampa Bay’s extra point attempt and returned it for two points, then they recovered the onside kick to end the Inferno’s comeback for good. The 9-0 Phoenix advance to meet the undefeated Miami Fury in the conference quarterfinals.
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[toggle title=”Austin 35, Little Rock 0″]
Austin, TX – The Austin Outlaws built a 21-0 halftime advantage and triumphed over the Little Rock Wildcats by a 35-0 count. It was just the second playoff win for the Outlaws since 2002 and their first ever home playoff victory. Meanwhile, the Little Rock Wildcats suffered their second straight playoff defeat by shutout.
Austin advances to the conference quarterfinals for a Texas showdown with the Dallas Diamonds. Austin and Dallas are the only two teams from Texas remaining in the WFA playoffs.
Seattle, WA – The Utah Jynx pulled off the biggest upset of the first round of the WFA playoffs, going on the road to Seattle and stunning the undefeated Majestics, 36-26. The Jynx claimed their first playoff victory in franchise history with style, using a strong second-half effort to build on their 14-13 halftime lead and coast to victory.
The Majestics finished their inaugural season in the WFA with an 8-0 record, a regular season mark that included a 47-18 victory over the Jynx in Seattle’s first ever WFA contest. But the playoffs were a different story. Utah’s powerful offense averaged 54 points per game in the regular season, and they summoned enough offense against Seattle to end the Majestics’ season.
The Jynx now advance to a conference quarterfinal matchup with the Central Cal War Angels, who eliminated Utah from the WFA playoffs last season.
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[toggle title=”Central Cal 34, Portland Shockwave 0″]
Fresno, CA – Central Cal War Angels quarterback Chantel Wiggins threw three touchdown passes to help lead the War Angels to a 34-0 victory over the Portland Shockwave. Two of Wiggins’ scoring passes went to wide receiver Lisa King, who co-owns the WFA with her husband, Jeff.
The Shockwave concluded their inaugural season in the WFA with a postseason appearance. But they were no match for the War Angels, who ran their season record to a perfect 9-0. Central Cal next hosts the upset-minded Utah Jynx in a conference quarterfinal game.
In the first series of the game Amanda Haeg lined up as Quarterback and pitched to Lisa Horton for a 73 yard touchdown-pass to Wide Receiver Rachel Wojdowski. After the ensuing kickoff, Wojdowski returned a 34 yard interception for a Passion touchdown to make it 14 – 0 in the first two minutes of the game. Still in the first quarter of the game, Tight End Lorraine Stanek scored her first career touchdown on an 11 yard reception. The Passion defense answered with another turnover with a forced fumble by Tia Montgomery and Kaitlin Neidermeyer with the recovery. The series continued with a 28 yard touchdown run by Passion Running back Ciara Chic contributing to a 28 – 0 score against Cincinnati. With four minutes left in the quarter, Horton throws a reverse handoff to Wide Reciever Angela Baker for a 12 yard touchdown run, followed by Wide Receiver Amanda Haeg 3 yard run for a Passion Touchdown to finish the score at 42 – 0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Passion open the second quarter with an exciting, first-ever punt return for a touchdown in a post-season game for Pittsburgh by Angela Baker’s 42 yard return, making the score 49-0. Continuing, Passion Fullback Candice Snyder had one of two touchdowns, with her second touchdown of the night in the third quarter of the game closing out the score 63-0. Defensive Back, Melissa Gasdick contributed in the third quarter with an exciting fumble recovery.
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Cincinnati
0
0
0
0
0
▶ Pittsburgh
42
14
7
0
63
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The Passion offense was lead by Quarterback Lisa Horton with 112 passing yards and passing 2 touchdowns. The Passion were at the top of their run game with Running back, Ciara Chic with 79 yards rushing and one touchdown with Fullback Candice Snyder who had two touchdowns and 41 yards rushing. Rookie, Running Back Sarah Niedermeyer had six carries for 30 yards rushing.
With their first shut-out of the post-season, the defense was lead by Rookie, Defensive Tackle Monica Williams with five tackles and one sack against the Sizzle. Defensive Back, Melissa Gasdick had five tackles and one fumble recovery. Lineman, Kaitlin Niedermeyer had four tackles and one fumble recovery. Defensive Back, Autumn Kramer pitched in with one interception on defense.
Special teams also contributed greatly to the high scoring game. Rookie, Valarie Riley with four outstanding tackles on special teams. Passion Kicker, Amy Fallon tied a Passion record with the most PATs in a single post-season game with 9 for 9 Extra Points tonight against the Sizzle.
The Pittsburgh Passion will travel to Massachusetts next Saturday, to play the Boston Militia on June 22nd. For more information, visit www.pittsburghpassion.com.
[Editor’s note: this article was written by Chris Jaunsen who attended this game and was kind enough to respond to my lament that we hardly ever get to know what really happens in most games unless we’re there or it’s one of the few that’s broadcast online. Thanks, Chris!]
By Chris Jaunsen
RB Alexandria Barton (#32) finds running room after a block by OT Janiah Ford (#69). Image used with permission.Atlanta, GA — Last year, in the only prior meeting between these two teams, the visiting Tampa Bay Inferno escaped with a one-point victory, as the Atlanta Phoenix committed a myriad of uncharacteristic turnovers. Phoenix fans had an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu during Saturday night’s playoff game rematch, but the Atlanta Phoenix overcame several potentially game-changing miscues to emerge with their second all-time playoff win.
From the opening kickoff, the Atlanta Phoenix were missing key personnel, especially PK Kimberly Bingham whose deep kickoffs regularly force opponents into poor field position. In Bingham’s absence, Tampa Bay had strong field position throughout much of the contest, including their opening drive which started at the Atlanta 35-yard line. Despite the setback, the Atlanta defensive line was strong up front, denying nearly every rush up the middle, but runs around the right and left edges were effective for Tampa Bay. And even before many fans filled the stands at North Springs Stadium, Atlanta was already down 0-7.
Atlanta’s offense quickly answered with a scoring drive of their own, a key play being Launa Sims’ 40+ yard run that set up a first-and-goal at the 1. A touchdown was scored on the next play, and without a kicker available, Atlanta attempted a two-point conversion. They succeeded and took the lead 8-7. The game figured to be a high-scoring affair after both offenses’ opening drives resulted in touchdowns, but then both defenses tightened up amidst missteps by both teams.
To the chagrin of the hometown crowd, Atlanta’s defense missed several opportunities at interceptions and fumble recoveries. Despite miraculously retaining possession each time, the Inferno inexplicably missed two close-range field goal attempts.
By the middle of the second quarter, however, Tampa Bay had carved out a 13-8 lead, and were driving to go ahead by two scores when Atlanta made a well-timed interception. While the Phoenix had little success on offense and few answers for a tenacious Inferno defense, their last drive of the second quarter resulted in a touchdown (two-point attempt failed) making it 14-13 Atlanta at halftime.
After halftime, both defenses played very solidly and the third quarter was scoreless. Though fatigue and injuries had begun to mount for Tampa Bay, none were serious; mostly muscle cramps and players getting the wind knocked out of them. Both teams had difficulty getting passing games off the ground, but Atlanta’s QB Lanesha Hargraves was plagued by receivers dropping passes thrown right in the mitts of their hands.
As the game progressing into the fourth quarter, the Inferno were still moving the chains more consistently than Atlanta. Like their first scoring drive, the Tampa Bay ground attack remained successful at turning the corner on Atlanta’s defense, getting upfield with regularity. It was very surprising they didn’t run plays like that against the Phoenix more frequently.
With six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Inferno drove the ball inside the Phoenix red zone. Faced with a fourth down, Tampa Bay opted again to attempt a field goal, but again the attempt failed. Kristen Brundage’s kick was long enough but sailed wide left, and the score remained 14-13 Atlanta.
Atlanta’s offense finally took charge in the late stages of the game behind several rushes by RB Launa Sims. Though she rarely had open lanes to run through earlier in the game, she found a few at long last to take the ball deep into the Inferno’s territory. With approximately 3 minutes left, the Phoenix scored what would be the decisive touchdown. Following another successful 2-point attempt, Atlanta lead by 9.
The Phoenix defense allowed a quick but a too-little-too-late touchdown to the Inferno. With the score now 22-19, the extra-point attempt was blocked and returned by Atlanta for a 2-point score.
The Phoenix recovered an onside kick by Tampa Bay to seal the 24-19 victory.
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Tampa Bay
7
6
0
6
19
▶ Atlanta
8
6
0
10
24
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Analysis and notes:
Not having a kicker ironically worked in Atlanta’s favor as the scoring difference in the game was their two successful two-point conversions vs. the Inferno’s one successful extra-point kick. The absence of a punter also meant the Phoenix went for it on 4th down throughout much of the game, whereas the Tampa Bay relied on their kicking game more as a matter of convention. Though it didn’t work out well for them, one field goal here or there, one turnover here or there, and the Tampa Bay Inferno would have advanced. Both teams were very evenly matched, each scoring three touchdowns. The Atlanta Phoenix must play better and regain some key personnel to be successful against Miami next week.
