Surge prepared for physical matchup with Central Cal

For the second straight season, the San Diego Surge (3-0) and Central Cal War Angels (3-0) will meet in a battle of unbeatens with sole possession of first place in the Pacific West up for grabs. After kicking off their 2015 schedules with an unfavorable strength of opponents, this game should provide the first true test of the season for both teams.

"It's a nice little rivalry we've been building over the last two or three years," Surge head coach Mike Suggett told us after his team defeated Arizona last Saturday. "They got a really young physical team and they're always giving us a real physical match. So it will be exciting to see."

Series History

July 13, 2013: Central Cal 40, Surge 14 (Playoffs)

May 17, 2014: Surge 64, Central Cal 0

June 7, 2014: Surge 35, Central Cal 6

Tale of the Tape

Head Coach: Mike Suggett (4th Season)

Previous Game: Defeated Arizona 90-6

Points Scored: 217 - 72.3 PPG (1st)

Points Allowed: 49 - 16.3 PPG (13th)

Opponent Record: 4-6 (.400)
Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #3

Head Coach: Casey Quinn (2nd Season)

Previous Game: Defeated Sin City 47-6

Points Scored: 191 - 63.7 PPG (3rd)

Points Allowed: 6 - 2.0 PPG (T-2nd)

Opponent Record: 1-8 (.111)
Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #10

Surge Offense vs. War Angels Defense

While the Surge are usually obtaining most of their offensive production through the air, it's been the ground game that has carried most of the load this season. The one-two punch of Jessica Springer and Alexis Synder has totaled 403 yards and 10 trips to the endzone. When the Surge do decide to air it out, Melissa Gallegos' favorite targets are Melissa Strother (6 catches, 100 yards, & 2 TDs) and Deana Guidry (5 catches, 73 yards, & 2 TDs).

The War Angels' hard-hitting defense has only allowed one score so far this year. LaStar Brown, who is also a key contributor on offense, is the team's leading tackler (11). Aspen Marshall and Jeannette Jimenez ties the Central Cal lead in sacks (3), while Moneisha Washington and Natalie Olveda has two interceptions apiece.

War Angels Offense vs. Surge Defense

Central Cal quarterback Chantel Nino Wiggins currently leads the WFA in almost every passing category. She also has the league's only receiving corp that features four players with more than 10 catches on the season. Leading her team's double-digit reception crew is Lisa King, who has 15 catches for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Complementing their prolific passing is a power run game anchored by Destanie Yarbrough and LaStar Brown.

As a unit, the stingy Surge defense leads the league in total interceptions (13) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (7). Surge defensive backs Sonfre Roberson and Kesia Williams ties the team lead with three interceptions and two pick sixes each. The stat leaders in the front seven are Jessica Springer (4 sacks), Knengi Martin (11 tackles), and Stephanie Taylor (6 tackles for loss).