The Chicago Force ran roughshod over the Columbus Comets on June 7 to finish the regular-season 6-1—and now it's on to the Women's Football Alliance ( WFA ) playoffs, which the Force will host at Evanston Township High School on June 21.
Brandy Hatcher and Kelsey Casey led the Comet crushing, each scoring three rushing touchdowns as the Force led 8-2 after the first quarter and 32-2 at halftime. It was 56-8 after three quarters and the final tally read: Chicago 72, Columbus 8.
"It was a great game," Hatcher said. "We finally played the spread offense and a run offense. It felt like everyone got in on the action."
Particularly Chicago's dominant offensive line, which Hatcher said was, "balls to the wall all game; the line didn't let down all game."
Hatcher rushed for 160 yards on 14 carries, with an 11-yard per carry average—and was named the Game Day Offensive MVP, sponsored by DLG Management ( formerly Spin Nightclub ).
Force rookie Amber Kimbrough, who saw action on offense and defense, was named the Game Day Defensive MVP for her seven tackle performance.
"I actually was surprised," winning the award, Hatcher said. "The offensive line probably should have gotten the award; that's how good the line played."
Ashley Berggren opened the scoring for the Force with a 9-yard quarterback keeper into the right corner of the end zone.
Jeanette Gray scored the game-winning touchdown on a 14-yard pass reception at 9:49 of the second quarter, giving Chicago a 16-2 lead at the time. Later in the second, Gray scored again on a 2-yard run.
Hatcher had an 8-yard rushing TD, and two for 12-yards.
Casey had rushing TDs of 6, 2 and 9 yards.
˘ Melissa Smith, an original member of the Force on the defensive line who ultimately switched to offense and became one of the team's best running backs ever, was the third inductee into the Chicago Force Player's Hall of Fame, it was announced at halftime during the team's annual Alumni Day.
