It's Saturday morning here in Bedford, Texas, the site of this year’s Women's Football Alliance National Title game. Kickoff for the All Star game is set for 10:00 a.m. and the National Title game follows at 7 p.m. which of course has the American Conference Champion San Diego Surge facing the National Conference Champion Boston Militia.
On Friday, the participants worked out in the sweltering heat, went through their normal walk-throughs, plus the 80 plus All Stars from both Conferences competed in an NFL Combine like competition. The ones you see yearly for the players hoping to gain a roster spot on an NFL team. The events included the 40 yard dash, pushups, a high jump, timed obstacle course weight-lifting, etc.
Since the winner of each event and the overall winner won’t be announced until half-time of the morning All Star game, I’m not at liberty to divulge their names. However, I have included photos of the gals who I think are definitely in the running.
Team updates: With the soaring heat, two of the San Diego Surge players were unable to complete yesterday’s drills. The Boston Militia players, who practiced later in the day, seemed unaffected.
Injury report: No new injuries to report aside from the usual bruises, sprained wrists and sore ankles.
Prediction on the game: This one’s a definite toss-up. Boston’s pluses: they have the younger of the two rosters and therefore should do better as the game progresses into the fourth quarter. Like San Diego they have two above average quarterbacks, Allison Cahill #& and Chante Bonds #80. Unlike San Diego their QBs add the dimension of quickness and you’ll often see trick plays where the snap goes directly to the halfback for the halfback option.
Since the team is corporately own, they lack for nothing. When we compare the two coaching staffs, you have to give the edge to the Militia. Three of their coaches have NFL experience – all three played for the New England Patriots, Derrick Beasley, HC/Defense, Robert Perriman, Offense and Vernon Crawford, Defensive line. That there is a regular who's who of the game. Former Patroits QB Steve Grogan has also stopped by practices to lend a hand.
Head Coach Mike Suggett of the Surge has an entirely different philosophy on things, especially when it comes to playing field position. His offense takes full advantage of the four downs whether they’re third and an inch or fourth down and 29. He will continue to go for the first down.
In regard to capable back-ups, both teams are deep, especially when it comes to their ball carriers and wide-receiving corps.
As far as a team strength, this year, Boston played the more difficult schedule which should bode well if the score is close.
What might hurt the Militia is the ability of their running backs to hold on to the ball. In past games fumble-itis has struck.
Special teams: the Surge’s veteran kicker,Andrea Grant, has been almost automatic while Boston is going with a rookie who just graduated high school. However, that rookie has been very good at pinning down the opposition (inside the 10 yard line) on punts. If either coach decides to go with an onside kick, it has virtually no chance of succeeding.
Quarterbacks: Here the edge goes to the more experienced Melissa Gallegos who is not only more accurate but has the better quarterback rating. Cahill’s biggest plus is her speed and ability to get away from pass rushers like San Diego’s Cilena Mosley.
As mentioned, the game will be played at 7:00 p.m. Central time (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive, Bedford, Texas 76022. The San Diego Surge will be the home team based on record. The game will be streamed live on SportsCastLive.com.
WFA Championship Information
Saturday, July 30, 2011
11:00 Am -1:30 Pm — All - American Football Game
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. — WFA Championship Football Game
10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.— After Party
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