WFA American Conference Semifinals
San Diego Surge (8-1) vs. Seattle Majestics (9-0)
Santana High School (Santee, CA)
Saturday, July 11th, 2015 @ 6:00 p.m. PST
Series History
First Meeting: July 5, 2014 - Surge 36, Seattle 20 (Playoffs)
Surge leads the all-time series 1-0
Series History
First Meeting: July 5, 2014 - Surge 36, Seattle 20 (Playoffs)
Surge leads the all-time series 1-0
Breakdown
With revenge on their minds after a heart-breaking loss in the regular season finale, the Surge survived a hostile first round playoff battle against a confident Central Cal team who was looking to legitimize their upset win.
They now draw Seattle in the conference semifinals for the second straight season. The Northwest division champions will be seeking some revenge of their own after their 2014 season ended with the visiting Surge overcoming a 20-16 halftime deficit with 20 unanswered points.
The Majestics haven't been defeated since.
"They do the right thing," Surge head coach Mike Suggett said. "They won't beat themselves, they're well coached, they play their positions, and know their responsibilities."
The winner of this game will face the Dallas Elite or Kansas City Titans in the American Conference Championship.
Next Woman Up
Despite losing two key players in quarterback Rachel Gore and receiver Jamie Fornal (who both took their talents to Chicago), the Majestics still boast a highly productive offense that ranks among the league's top three in total yards.
Picking up where Gore left off is former backup Rachel Woods, who finished the regular season with 16 touchdown passes, and only two interceptions. She also utilized her dual-threat ability to find the end zone six times on her feet.
One of Woods' top targets this season is Chris Hernandez, who joined the Majestics after brief stints as a standout for the San Diego Sting (2012-13) and North County Stars (2014). The three-time WFA All-American is also a shutdown defender who has the speed to go the distance whenever she get her hands on the ball.
All On The Line
Under the direction of longtime assistant coach Mark Ring, the Surge offensive line has added another outstanding season to their resumes. Not only have they helped the offense average over 400 yards per game, there was only a few sacks allowed this season, with the line being responsible for just one.
"We have a veteran line and they keep me completely confident in the pocket, which allows the offense to have the success we've had so far," Surge quarterback Melissa Gallegos said. "From my o-line to my backs, they have all contributed to keeping me protected this season."
In his latest blog entry, Ring also had some high praise for the women who battle in the trenches.
Defense Wins Conference Semifinals
With both teams possessing top notch offenses, the result of this game will most likely depend on which defense performs the best.
The Majestics defense have been playing at a high level all season, allowing an average of only 3.3 points per game.
"They have a solid defense and some very athletic backers," Gallegos said. "I think we'll need to remain patient with our run game, as they have a couple of key players who without a doubt will be making plays. I look forward to this match-up on Saturday!"
The Surge defense features some key players of there own.
While Kesia Williams leads the league with eight interceptions, Christina Webb (who is second on the team with five) is coming off the biggest performance of her career.
During the team's first round victory over Central Cal, Webb recorded two game-changing interceptions. The first took place in the end zone while the War Angels were threatening to regain the lead late in the third quarter. Her second set up a Deana Guidry touchdown that put the final nail in the coffin.
Top tacklers Knengi Martin and Katrina Walter (who competed in 100 career games) will be looking to lead the way in containing Woods and Seattle's ground attack, which is powered by the explosive combination of Kalena Firstrider and Kiara "Kiki" Williams.
"As long as we can just execute and do our responsibilities, I think we'll be OK," Coach Suggett added.
Tale of the Tape
SAN DIEGO SURGE (8-1)
Head Coach: Mike Suggett (4th Season)
Previous Game: Defeated Central Cal 27-7
Points Scored: 427 - 53.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 118 - 14.7 PPG
Massey Rating: #4
Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #6
All-American Surge
OG Eboni Chambers
QB Melissa Gallegos
WR Deana Guidry
LB Knengi Martin
RB Alexis Snyder
RB Jessica Springer
K Melissa Strother
LB Katrina Walter
SS Christina Webb
CB Kesia Williams
SEATTLE MAJESTICS (9-0)
Head Coach: Scott McCarron (1st Season)
Previous Game: Defeated Tacoma 34-0
Points Scored: 429 - 47.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 30 - 3.3 PPG
Massey Rating: #7
Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #3
All-American Majestics
K Melissa Castor
LB Holly Custis
WR Chris Hernandez
OL Shannon Lord
CB Jackie McCall
TE Tessla Rennie
DE Tara Shively
DL Kase Tukutau
WFA Playoffs (Conference Semifinals)
American Conference
Seattle Majestics (9-0) @ SAN DIEGO SURGE (8-1)
Kansas City Titans (6-3) @ Dallas Elite (9-0)
National Conference
Chicago Force (8-1) @ Boston Renegades (4-2)
Atlanta Phoenix (6-3) @ D.C. Divas (9-0)
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