It's already playoff football for the Chicago Force … or at least playoff-atmosphere football.
Forget the fact it's only the second game of the eight-game grind for the women's tackle team, but when the Force plays its home opener on Sat., April 19, at North Park University, it will be against their archrival, the Detroit Demolition, the five-time defending champions of the Independent Women's Football League ( IWFL ) .
And the 7 p.m. kickoff marks the first-ever home night game for the Force.
'That game has serious playoff implications and I think we're gonna win —and feel more confident about that than ever before,' said Linda Bache, who plays safety and serves as the team's general manager. 'I can't imagine what more motivation there would be. They've kept us from moving on in the playoffs the last two years.
'We have not beaten them, but I think we will this year.'
The Force kicked off its 2008 campaign on Sat., April 12, playing at the Wisconsin Wolves, and defeating them 14-7. The Force ends the regular-season on June 14, at home against those same Wolves.
The league championship is scheduled for July 26 and the Force is one of the finalists being considered to host the game, Bache said.
'We have a large roster and a lot of talent. I'm excited for this year,' said Bache, in her sixth season. 'We're gonna be able to run the ball and also throw the ball really well, so we'll have a balanced attack.
'We have a lot of returning talent and also some very good, very talented new players. Our offensive line has improved a lot, so I can see us being able to run the ball quite a bit. At the same time, our quarterback has a great arm.'
The weather has impacted practice so far, Bache said, as many practices have been held in rain or snow.
'I think the quality of athletes is getting better each and every year, and the quality of the product is as well,' Bache said. 'People who come out to see us play have been very impressed. Our play makes instant fans; they always want to come back, and often are very surprised to see women playing football at such a high level. I think people often are surprised how hard we hit.'