Force Mon Apr 20 2009

Force Field A Winner

By Ken Green

With a 2-0 record the Chicago Force (2008 Eastern Conference Champions) are moving in the right direction when it comes to challenging for the 2009 Western Conference title after making the switch in the offseason. They took another step forward when they knocked off the Wisconsin Warriors 38-20 on Alumni Night at North Park University's Holmgren Athletic Complex in the home opener of their Independent Womens Tackle Football League season. The Force's PR chief, George Howe, gives the details:

Chicago, IL. - In front of former coaches, players and an enthusiastic crowd, the Force went to 2-0 with a 38-20 win over the Wisconsin Warriors. Offensive player of the game running back Karyn Silvestri had another stellar performance, rushing for 251 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. On Chicago's first possession Silvestri burst through the Warrior line for 11 yards to the Force 33. On the next play, QB Sami Grisafe hit WR Martha Dantuma on a slant pattern for the games first score. Carolyn Lee's extra point made it 7-0.

Photo of Karyn Silvestri by Scott Renshaw

The defensive highlight of the game came at the four minute mark of quarter one. Warrior's QB Brenda Van Cuick dropped back to pass and couldn't avoid the fierce rush by LB Kim Marks and DE Sofia Sianez. Marks hit caused a fumble. Sianez, named the Defensive Player of the game, picked up the loose ball and ran 59 yards for the score to the delight of the home crowd. Albi Zhubi who holds for extra point attempts, had the presence of mind to pick up the fumbled snap, roll out to her right and found Marks in the end zone for the two point conversion, and a 15-0 Force lead. "I wanted to run as far and fast as I could", explained an excited Sianez. "I never looked back. When I realized that I was in the end zone it was a great feeling."
The Force were on the march again after a solid defensive hold on third and seven from the Force seven. Silvestri, clearly the work horse of the offense had runs of 5,8, 12, and after a 27 yard pass completion from Grisafe to Zhubi, Silvestri made a nice cut and scampered 35 yards for the score. Lee's extra point staked the Force to a 22-0 advantage at 9:58 to go until halftime.

The Warriors got on the board with 8 minutes to play in the first half. Van Cuick the most talented Warrior player threw passes of 19 to Elizabeth Strozinsky, and 40 yards to Sheri Dieck for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion made it 22-8. The Force threatened again but had to settle for an 18 yard field goal by Lee with less than 6 minutes to go in the second quarter. A big return on the ensuing Force kick off by Dieck, gave the Warriors good field position at the Force 40 yard line. Van Cuick completed four straight passes and rewarded Dieck for starting the drive, finding her from 9 yards out for Wisconsin's second score, and a 25-14 Force lead after the first intermission.

At the 10: 24 mark of the third quarter, Head Coach John Konecki continued to call Silvestre's number, and she didn't disappoint. The powerful dynamo listed at five feet two, and 140 pounds had three straight carries including a 15 yarder. After a tricky ball fake by Grisafe to Silvestri, Grisafe hit WR Patricia Harper in stride down the right sideline to the 10, and Harper did the rest cutting up for the touchdown. Silvestri closed out the scoring from the Force 38. Two nice cuts and great blocking by the 'O' line all the way downfield, paved the way for Silvestri. "I was still nervous out there with this being our first home game," said Silvestri. "I can only go as far thanks to the holes that the line creates for me." "Karyn works hard and does everything that we ask of her," said Konecki. "She is a very patient runner and has tremendous vision up field. We are very pleased with her play."

The Force will travel to Minnesota Saturday April 25 to take on the Vixen. Game time is 7pm. For more information please visit chicagoforcefootball.com

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Sofia Sianez/Photo by Scott Renshaw