The Chicago Force did something in its April 19 home opener that it had never done in five previous seasons: defeat the archrival Detroit Demolition.
The Force improved to 2-0 with an 18-7 win at Holmgren Athletic Complex on the campus of North Park University—which was also the first home night game in team history. The Demolition is now 1-1.
'We just buckled down and really played as a team. Everyone came through; everyone was responsible for this win,' said Force quarterback Sami Grisafe. 'It feels amazing to finally defeat Detroit. When the final horn went off, it was as if a whole bunch of happiness exploded in me. I really can't put it into words.'
'I was more excited for that [ final touchdown that resulted from a fumble she caused that a fellow teammate picked up ] than my touchdown reception,' Kimberly Marks, a defensive lineman, said. 'I'm not really sure how the ball got loose ... but once I saw the [ referee's touchdown ] signal, I knew that iced the win.
The Force travels to the Wisconsin Warriors Sat., April 26, and next plays at home Sat., May 17, when those same Warriors come to Chicago.
Independent Women's Football League ( IWFL ) officials announced after the Force's game that the 2008 national championship weekend will be held at North Park University. The weekend will feature the top teams in all three tiers of IWFL competition.