Surge advance to conference semifinals after overcoming emotional battle

Strong Safety Christina Webb (#45) celebrates with teammates after a critical interception in the third quarter.

SANTEE (06/27/2015) This first-round playoff bout had all the makings of a classic grudge match between bitter rivals. It featured hard hits, flaring tempers, multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and a hard fought battle by two teams with a short but storied history.

Things got so heated, the referees needed a police escort after the game due to alleged threats by the War Angels' sideline.

Despite all the dramatics, the San Diego Surge (8-1) came away with a 27-7 victory and will move on to the conference semifinals, where they'll host the Seattle Majestics (9-0).

Defense ruled the first quarter as both teams were held scoreless. The first and only score of the first half was an explosive 79-yard touchdown run by Destanie Yarbrough that gave the War Angels a 7-0 lead.

The Surge had four red zone scoring opportunities, but turned the ball over on downs each time.

In the third quarter, the Surge offense finally got over their scoring drought when Deana Guidry tied the game with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Melissa Gallegos.

Guidry kicked off the fourth quarter by scoring off a two-yard run to give the Surge its first lead of the game. A botched PAT made it 13-7 with 14:56 left to play.

On the ensuing possession, the War Angels made their way to the Surge 11-yard line threatening to tie or take the lead, but Christina Webb killed the drive with an interception in the end zone.

The Surge took advantage after a 41-yard catch and run by Guidry led to a four-yard touchdown run by Alexis Snyder, extending the Surge lead to 19-7.

After Webb notched her second interception of the game, Guidry put up her third score with a 25-yard run to seal the win and redeem the only Surge loss of the season.

Impact Surge

Surge Offensive Line

- 0 Sacks Allowed, 4 Touchdowns

SS Christina Webb

- 2 Interceptions

WR Deana Guidry

- 3 Touchdowns (1 REC, 2 RUSH)

Impact War Angels

War Angels Defense

- Forced 4 Red Zone Turnover on Downs

RB Destanie Yarsbrough

- 79-yard TD Run (Longest Scoring Play of the Game)

WFA Playoffs (Round 1)

American Conference

SAN DIEGO SURGE 27, Central Cal War Angels 7.

Seattle Majestics 34, Tacoma Trauma 0.

Dallas Elite 54, St. Louis Slam 3.

Kansas City Titans 22, Arlington Impact 12.

National Conference

Boston Renegades 59, West Michigan Mayhem 12.

Chicago Force 71, Cleveland Fusion 13.

DC Divas 48, Miami Fury 12.

Atlanta Phoenix 48, Jacksonville Dixie Blues 9.