San Diego Football Network: 2012 WFA Championship Preview

The home of six-time Super Bowl champions will be the stage where unbeaten conference champions battle to determine who's #1 in the Women’s Football Alliance. While both competing teams are more than worthy of the honor, only one of them can return to their home city as WFA National Champions.

The American Conference champion San Diego Surge will take on the National Conference champion Chicago Force in the first women‘s football championship to be hosted at an NFL stadium. The game takes place this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. pacific time. You can catch the action live on ESPN 3.

San Diego Surge (11-0)

American Conference Champions

Head Coach: Mike Suggett

Last Game: Defeated Dallas Diamonds 56-29

Points Scored: 592 - 53.8 PPG (3^rd)

Points Allowed: 48 - 4.4 PPG (1^st)

In only their second season of existence, the Surge have rapidly become one of the premier teams of the WFA. Their overall franchise record is 22-1 with the only blemish coming from last year’s WFA championship loss.

The balance and versatility of the Surge offense have been a problem for opposing defenses all season. Whether it’s the explosive rushing combination that features Deana Guidry and Cassey Brick, or the vertical passing attack led by quarterback Melissa Gallegos and her athletic group of receivers, the Surge’s ability to score from anywhere on the field has been one of the main keys to their success.

When it comes to keeping points off the board, no other defense in the WFA does it better than the Surge. Going into the conference championship game, the Surge had only allowed an average of 1.9 points per game. If the Surge wants to keep the Force from scoring, they will need to start by shutting down Melissa Smith and their bread and butter rushing attack.

In the secondary, defensive back Ashley Moody has the skills to hold her own against any #1 receiver in the league. She is also a huge threat to take it to the house for six points anytime she gets her hands on a pick.

Chicago Force (11-0)

National Conference Champions

Head Coach: John Konecki

Last Game: Defeated Boston Militia 35-34

Points Scored: 597 - 54.3 PPG (2^nd)

Points Allowed: 96 - 8.7 PPG (2^nd)

The Force will be making their second league championship appearance since their overtime loss to the Dallas Diamonds in the 2008 IWFL championship game.

Chicago’s offense is led by a rushing attack anchored by running back Melissa Smith and a veteran offensive line. Smith, who is the WFA’s leading rusher in yards and touchdowns, has a powerful running style that makes her difficult to tackle and very dependable in goal line situations.

The run game may be the focus of the Force offense, but the passing game can be effective also. Quarterback Sami Grisafe has a solid group of receivers to work with. The best out of the bunch has to be wide receiver Trish Harper. She has the size, speed, hands, and play making ability of a prototypical #1 receiver.

Cornerback Emma Finestone is the smallest player on the Force defense and she might be the most valuable. In the conference title game against Boston, she played with a cast on her right hand due to a wrist injury. She was targeted quite often, but she still managed to deflect nearly every pass that came her way. Her heart and outstanding performance in the secondary played a huge role in Chicago‘s victory.