North County Stars set to host the final game of its historic season

Running Backs Leslie Hubbell (#31) & Adriana Bush (#43) leads North County's ground attack.

Independent Women's Football League

North County Stars (5-2) vs. Phoenix Phantomz (2-5)

Fallbrook High School (Fallbrook, CA)

Saturday, June 11, 2016 @ 6:00 p.m. PT

Series History

First Meeting: June 7, 2014 - Phoenix 76, Stars 28 (1st scheduled meeting was forfeited)

Previous Meeting: May 28, 2016 - Stars 26, Phoenix 12

Phoenix leads the all-time series 4-1

Breakdown

Fresh off a bye week after three straight road games, the North County Stars return home this Saturday to play what will most likely be the final game of its most successful season in team history.

They'll be facing off against the Phoenix Phantomz, who is looking to snap a three-game losing streak that includes a 26-12 loss to the Stars on May 28th. 

It was a tight first half, but North County pulled away with 12 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure their first-ever win over the franchise from the Grand Canyon State.

“I think it's going to be a tough fought battle,” said Stars' play-maker Knengi Martin, who leads the IWFL in tackles and tackles for loss. 

“They believe they're a team that's capable of hanging with us for four quarters. So it's up to us to be prepared for what they're going to bring, and come ready to fight every single play.”

When she's not anchoring the North County defense (which hasn't given up a second half point in their last two outings), Martin's impact on the team also spills over to the passing game, as she leads the Stars in receiving yards (303) and touchdown catches (5).

“She's the leader,” acknowledged third-year head coach Calvin McClain. “She's non-stop always trying to get better every snap, and that attitude is contagious.”

Since its inaugural season in 2014, the Stars have boasted a productive ground game that featured an IWFL all-star ball carrier. The difference this year is the one-two punch of Adriana Bush and Leslie Hubbell.

“They've gotten better every single week with their vision, protecting the football, catching the ball out the backfield and picking up blocks,” McClain said.

North County's dynamic duo put up a combined 1,392 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Bush leads the team with 872 yards (2nd in IWFL) and four scores of her own.

McClain also credits fullback Mercedes Tyler and the all-star laden offensive line for this season's success in the run game.

“We've definitely gotten some contribution this year from some girls that don't show up in the stat lines.”

Win or lose, the Stars will finish the 2016 campaign at third place in the Pacific Conference. With the top two teams in each conference earning a playoff bid, the Stars are eliminated from contention despite an impressive record.

There has been some speculation about possibly being selected to play in the Founders Bowl that takes place during the IWFL's Championship Weekend, but we'll have to wait until after the regular season concludes to see where those hopes stand.

Whatever happens, the success of 2016 should set the tone for bigger and better things in 2017.

“I think we have a great team, and we're building something for next season,” Martin asserted.

Tale of the Tape

NORTH COUNTY STARS (5-2)

Head Coach: Calvin McClain (3rd Season)

Previous Game: Defeated Phoenix 26-12

Points Scored: 175 - 25.0 PPG

Points Allowed: 117 - 16.7 PPG

Massey Rating: #15

Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #12

PHEONIX PHANTOMZ (2-5)

Head Coach: Donnie Meador (3rd Season)

Previous Game: Loss to Carson 6-52

Points Scored: 122 - 20.3 PPG

Points Allowed: 212 - 35.3 PPG

Massey Rating: #24

Ernst Zermelo Ranking: #22