Three is a good number. I like threes. There are three good Star Wars movies. Three kinds of medals you can get at the Olympics. Three primary colors. Rock, paper, scissors. Seriously, it’s like an actual thing. Threes make sense; they are stable and awesome.
So hey, Boston Militia, could you do me a favor? Could you win three more games this season? Just three. I’m not asking for you to go undefeated indefinitely. But three more games now would be really fantastic.
If you can do that – win your next three games – you will walk away with a brand new three: your third national championship. For a team that’s only existed for six seasons, that’s pretty damn impressive. And I really, really want to see it happen.
Backseat Coach and I were at your first championship game in Texas in 2010. (It was very hot.) Then Backseat Coach, Tiny Coach and I were at your second championship game in Texas in 2011. (It was also very hot.) This year, should you make it to the national championship game again, Backseat Coach, Scout and I hope to be there. That would be one championship for us as a couple and one for each of the boys. Stable, equal, awesome.
For a number of reasons, it is likely that this will be the last season that we can travel to far-off away games. I’m actually not even sure how we’d manage to get to the final two that I’m talking about, should that become reality, but I am committed to making it happen. I want to see you all on the field again, raising your helmets and celebrating what you’ve done. I want you to finish your unfinished business. I want you to find out what a third ring looks like.
I don’t say this to pressure or guilt trip you. I would hope you know me well enough by now to know that I have the greatest admiration for the work you do on and off the field to win these games, and that as someone who is currently still recovering from a candlepin bowling injury sustained over the Fourth of July weekend, the idea that I would have ANY ground to stand on and tell you what you should or shouldn’t be able to do is absurd.
I’m just saying this because I go a little diplomatic around the playoffs, you know? I truly do want to promote all teams and all games. I want fans in every city to be able to follow their team’s games either in person or remotely. I really do want all players to feel like their work is valued. I want to show respect to the players, coaches, management and fans of teams all across the country. I do. Reading my posts and looking at my playoffs mini-site, one could get the impression that what really matters is that women’s tackle football is promoted and played well, and that any games and any outcomes that help make that happen would be equally celebrated.
[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.
So the WFA playoffs are in hiatus for a few weeks while a bunch of players are over in Finland to kick some football ass and bring home the gold at the Women’s World Cup put on by the International Federation of American Football. What’s that you say? The games haven’t happened yet? How could I possibly know that the US will come home victorious like they did in 2010?
Because I’m awake, that’s why. I mean, come on – it’s called American football. It’s right there in the name! It seems unfair, almost. Like if you held the Triwizard Tournament and you invited Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Michigan and UMass Lowell.
So have I crossed the border from confident into cocky? Maybe. But if I have, it’s because I have absolute faith that the women representing my country have the ability to call on all of the talent and knowledge and power that they have worked so hard for at home. It’s because I saw how Team USA pulled a total Avengers Assemble last time and outscored their opponents 201 to freakin’ 0. It’s because if the 41 players that I don’t know are anything like the four that I do, Europe’s in trouble big time. Also, I might be drunk.
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.
I don’t think it’s news that your Militia Cheerleader was not a lifelong die-hard fan of the game of football. I liked to watch the Pats on TV, sure, but I had never attended any kind of football game before attending a Militia game. And while that was five years ago and I’ve learned massive amounts since then, I’m still very much an amateur fan. People like Backseat Coach apparently grow like six more pairs of eyes when they watch a game – that’s the only way I can think of that they can take in so much at the same time. Unless I decide consciously to keep my eyes on a certain player before a play starts, I’m generally just looking at wherever the ball is at any given time. And I don’t think I’m alone in that. It’s no secret that the playmakers get the attention; they’re who we’re usually watching.
I think it must take a certain kind of strength and self-confidence to be someone other than them; to go out on the field play after play and know that it probably won’t be your name that people remember. To know that there’s little chance that you’ll end up in the spotlight of a press release or a news article. To know that no one off the field may ever understand exactly how good you are at what you do.
But you get to know this, too: those players in the spotlight – those stars shooting down the field or leaping above everyone else to make a catch – there’s absolutely no way they’d be able to do any of that without you there to do what you do. Their successes are your successes, even if other people don’t always know it. So yeah, I don’t think everyone could play that role. But some can. And some rock it big time. Meet Kandi.
When did you start playing football, and how have you seen the game change in the years since you started?
I started playing football back in 2008 when the Militia first came into existence. My best friend’s sister got me involved; I had never heard of women playing tackle football before then. I do think the knowledge of women’s tackle football is progressively increasing. I say this because when I travel to away games, more often than not I’m stopped by people in the airport as I carry my shoulder pads in one hand and my boarding pass in another. They ask me what sport I play, and when I tell them “professional women’s tackle football” I get all types of reactions. There’s old ladies who tell me how much they support women in sports and there’s manly men who bring up the Lingerie League. Sometimes I have to laugh and just educate people about the progression of this sport, where we started and where we want to go. And we have such a supportive owner who provides us with Militia-related gear which allows us to advertise for the team – and the sport – with Militia logos on our vehicles, warm-up jackets, bags, etc. Women’s football is definitely becoming more known.
Tell us about the process of making a really amazing block. Can you tell when a play is going to work before it happens? What do you look for? Are you conscious of making decisions or does it feel more instinctive? (Answer only if it doesn’t give away trade secrets!)
Ha! Trade secrets. Even if I gave the other team a hint they still couldn’t stop us ’cause we are a machine that CAN’T be stopped! Like any good athlete you have to size up your opponent. Figure out their weakness and expose it. Now there is no secret to making an amazing block; it just comes down to knowing the play and which direction it’s going. For the offensive line, you want to make your job as easy as possible. On a run play you know that the back is gonna be right on your a** – and we have some fast-a** backs so you have to say to yourself, what’s the easiest route to take to get to where I want to go? and then do it effectively. Now with certain teams like the Divas, there’s a pretty decent middle linebacker – she’s like the piece that holds everything together. If you break that piece, they start to fall apart. So in my eyes that’s my point of attack.
Yes, I did recruit her. We played in a basketball league together and she was my biggest competition. I liked her “athletic swag”. I think that’s what I look for with any person I am trying to recruit. I mean, I don’t go out with the intention of recruiting but I guess you could say that’s the coach in me, always looking for talent. When I came onto the Militia there were tons of ladies who had been playing for six years or more already. I knew eventually it would take a toll on their bodies and the Militia would need some young new bodies to continue the march to greatness. So when I am out and I come across a female who has played a sport – particularly basketball – who I think would be a good candidate for the Militia, I go to work. Sometimes I’ll even invite them to the afterparties to meet the team and coaches. You know Beasley loves new bodies, especially tall ones. New bodies make the current players better, whether it’s making them work harder to keep their position or just giving numbers at practice to go up against. Bottom line, I am always looking to continue the existence of good talent on the Militia.
What is something that’s made you feel supported as a Militia player?
Junior & Kandi holding Baby Scout (who apparently thought this was a gameface picture)It’s funny because earlier in my athletic career, I never really liked anyone coming to my games to cheer me on because it always made me nervous. But now that I am older, it makes me feel good when my family comes to cheer me on, yelling my name from the stands and waving. But also knowing that we as a team have so much support not only from family and friends but from the town of Somerville makes me feel good too. I like turning around and seeing the stands jammed packed with the colors of red and black and skull and crossbones paraphernalia. Or the kids running around after the game asking for our autographs. Makes me think to myself, wow, we are making such a positive impact, not just for women’s football but women’s sports. That’s an amazing feeling!
What is something you’d like to see happen that would make you feel more supported?
For the next step, I’d like to have us broadcast on TV. I mean, we already have the commercials why not go a step further and provide people who can’t physically be at the game the ability to still see us in action? Not to put Junior (#99/OL) on blast but her parents live in Western Mass, about an hour and a half away from Boston. Her dad rushes home from work to watch the game on the livestream but more often than not there are some issues and he’s unable to see the game, which makes him angry. TV broadcasting would not only allow people who can’t make the game to tune in but it would also allow us to reach an even bigger audience – which can lead to bigger opportunities.
Rarely do we here on this site explore topics as personal as addiction, but I think we’ve built up a sufficient level of trust. As such: exactly how many pairs of sneakers do you own, and which are your current favorites?
[one_half]
Ha! People have been asking me this question and it was only a matter of time before you did. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s an “addiction” – more “a love for”. Addiction sounds so bad! But I’d say I own around 70 pairs of footwear. I can totally picture people’s faces after reading that but I promise you, I am not a hoarder. I used to have more but I have been downsizing lately so for every new pair I buy, I give a pair away – usually my “bust downs” (worn out, holes, no tread, really dirty) which I’ve been told aren’t really “bust downs” because I’ve worn the shoe like once or twice. I actually considered selling them on eBay – I mean, after all, I am a Militia celebrity…someone would buy them, right? Heh.
It’s really hard to say which pairs are my favorites. I have so many. Lately I’ve been hooked on the really bright colors, like the Nike’s I bought a week or two ago. I don’t really want to reveal the name now. I am saving them for a “show-stopper” type of night. Who knows? You may see me rocking them on Saturday night after the game.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Sneaker Fiend
Often imitated never duplicated profiles my style
Never sport a sneaker that ain’t worthwhile
Won’t see another on the street rep like me
From the throw back Jordan’s to the current industry
Got love for my sneakers no need to say more
Especially the Vans in which I rock hardcore
You’ll be amazed, got Sperry’s for days
But don’t try to search, they’re not on eBay
Stacks of kicks, for that last minute clutch
They add to the gear and give it the final touch
As a matter of fact,
My closet’s so stacked
Had to create another rack
Just to keep them intact
Kicks so fire, too HOT for TV
Can’t go anywhere without the envy.
So I guess I am a fiend!
-Kandi
[/one_half_last]
Thanks, Kandi! We know you’ll kick some ass tomorrow in whatever footwear you sport.
Buzz Alert! have you read Backseat Coach’s Round 2 Game Previews yet? No? What the hell’s the matter with you?
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
[/toggle]
[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
[/toggle]
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.
Well, it’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to start getting anxious about Saturday’s game. Woo hoo! Keep in mind this is no indication that I doubt the Boston Militia’s ability to be awesome – it’s more of an indication that I’m really good at getting anxious about things. Also, despite the Militia’s track record they are, nonetheless, a sports team in Boston and as a sports fan in Boston, I have learned to take nothing for granted. So I don’t.
Here’s a recent conversation between Backseat Coach and me regarding upcoming games (certain sensitive information has been removed for security reasons):
Me: Do you ever worry about what would happen if redacted ? I mean, what if someone just redacted ?
BSC: Nah. If redacted , then redacted would totally redacted .
Me: Ooh! You think so?
BSC: redacted yeah, I do.
Buzz Alert! New stuff on the Buzz page! Recaps of all Round 1 games are here! In-depth recap of PGH/Cinci game is here!
Finally, dear whoever reached this site by Googling “cheerleader in backseat”: Ha! Sorry, bro.
[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.
