Evanston, IL — The Chicago Force women's tackle football team are just days away from kicking off their 2012 season. Last weekend at Northwestern University's Trienens Hall the Force held a scrimmage between their offensive and defensive players to give onlookers a preview of what their opponents will soon face.
There's no substitute for experience, and this year's Force roster has a lot of it. Force webcast color commentator Pam Schaffrath noted that "this squad reminds me of the 2008 championship team. I like the renewed emphasis on the defensive side of the ball - that's how this organization began their dominance".
The offense was short-handed for the scrimmage and at times struggled. The defense took full advantage by swarming to the ball and causing turnovers. Defensive notables include veterans Darcy Leslie, Emma Finestone, Sami Scurto, Rebecca Thuestad, Candace Griffin and Kim Marks as well as new players April Fowlkes, Porcha Johnson and Elisha Okrey. On offense rookie RB Mary Choules broke off some nice runs, as did Dorian Bridges. Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator John Konecki said "we were missing a few key players today, including QB ( Jeanette Gray ) , WR ( Ashley Berggren ) and RB ( Melissa Smith ) , but we did accomplish some good things ... particularly on defense."
The Force opens their season on the road versus arch rival KC Tribe this Saturday 4/14. Both teams are amongst the best in women's football, with the home team winning every contest since 2007. Owner/GM Linda Bache stated " Obviously it's a very difficult game with which to start the season, and it will be a tremendous challenge to play there. Hopefully we can grab momentum early and overcome the advantages their home field advantage."
The Chicago Force has their first HOME game on Saturday April 21st against the Columbus Comets at 5pm on Lazier Field at Evanston Township High School. The field is located at 2285 Church Street, just west of Ridge Avenue and across the street from the school.
Season Schedule 2012 Regular
Date Opponent Location Time
4/14 K.C. Tribe Away 5pm
4/21 Columbus Comets Home 5pm
4/28 Indy Crash Away 7pm EST
5/5 St. Louis Slam Home 5pm
5/12 W. Michigan Mayhem Home 5pm
5/19 Cleveland Fusion Away 7pm EST
6/2 Indy Crash Home 5pm
6/16 W. Michigan Mayhem Away 7pm EST
