With the holiday season right around the corner, LFL Friday Night is giving fans an early present as two powerhouse teams in the Eastern Conference face off in perhaps the most anticipated game of the season. The Philadelphia Passion (2-1) are coming off a big win last week versus Tampa Bay and they travel to Chicago to play the Bliss (2-0) in a potential playoff preview.

Philly is coming off a season changing performance. Philly has had a rollercoaster type season and many questions surrounded the team. The Passion responded last week by picking up a win in dramatic fashion. A goal line stand to preserve a 12-6 win put them back on track. I mentioned that the outcome of the game would dictate the rest of the season for the Passion. Now they are in a position to book their payoff spot in Miami with a win and a Miami loss. They are coming in the game as underdogs to a very good Chicago team and look to end their regular season by earning a playoff spot.

Chicago comes in looking to take care of business like they have done all year. Last time we saw Chicago, they defeated the Tampa Breeze at Tampa 27-18. Chicago won the game on the ground and had a punishing game plan that has worked all season. Look for them to continue to run against a Passion rush defense that struggles at times. Running back #10 Saran Dunmore should play a key role in the Bliss offense. She is a talented back the runs hard, she might not be the flashy back that some teams have but she gets the job done.

The key of the game for Philadelphia is going to be on the defensive side. The offense will score and keep them in the game. Despite troubles in the passing game, the Passion finds ways to score with a solid game plan and good play calling. The have potential MVP candidate running back #11 Tyrah Lusby who is one of he hardest runners in the league. The Passion offense might not be the best in the league but they can light up the scoreboard like we saw versus New York and they should try to come into this game with the same mentality when the killed the Majesty 40-6.

However, after watching Chicago in their two wins, stopping the run is key. Chicago is not the greatest passing team and if the Passion can make the Bliss one dimension, then they can put themselves into a position to win. Chicago Quarterback #4 Elle Cartabiano has not thrown the ball much this season and combine that with her questionable status (concussion) for the game could put more pressure on the Chicago offense. If Cartabiano can play and has to the throw the ball, the game will be decided on the Bliss passing offense. Chicago is going to hope that they can establish the run and pound their way to a #1 seed in the playoffs.

Each team has it’s own flaws, but at this point in the season it will come down to who wants it more. What Philly lacks on defense they make up for in the running game. Chicago can run the ball and control the clock but have yet to have a game with so much pressure on them. This game has the makings to be the game of the season and it is definitely going to be a clash of Eastern Conference rivals.

Posted by Justin Trujillo

The drama is about to unfold in this weeks match up in LFL Friday Night. Huge playoff ramifications are on the line in the Eastern Conference as the Philadelphia Passion (1-1) host The Tampa Breeze (0-1).

Philadelphia is feeling the pressure for this game. They came in as a favorite for the championship and were respected with a #2 preseason ranking. They were seen as a powerhouse and expected to roll in the regular reason. However things have not gone to plan. They opened with a big win over a mediocre New York team in New York. Then came the game versus Miami Caliente and they got dominated in their home opener.

So Philadelphia is at the brink of making the playoffs or a major collapse. They are playing a Tampa Breeze team that played well in their opener. Tampa needs this game to make a playoff push too but expectations and potential should put extra pressure on the Passion.

Tampa may have lost their game to Chicago last week but they have a lot to take away from the game. They matched the Bliss punch for punch and just came up a little short. Chicago is proving to be a contender and the performance the Bliss had showed they are just a few steps behind. Tampa played a smart game and showed the strategy side of the game that has not been seen that much this season.

Tampa quarterback, #8 Jenn Myers should have her team prepared. She is smart as the come and will led the charge in a well planned out game plan. She will find some weaknesses in the Passion defense and exploit them. Tampa should be able to put some points up, a key to their game will be to strike early and really hope the Passion crumble. If the Breeze can start the game well, it might be the end of the year for the Passion.

What the Passion need to do is prove all the doubters wrong. If they are the team who we thought they were at the start of the season, this is a season changing game. They can step up and dominate, because they have the talent to do so and prove they once again are a contender. Look for key Passion leaders to step up. If they are going to win, they need big performances from running backs #11 Tabbi Haskins and #13 Tyrah Lusby. The Passion has not been very successful in the passing game but they remain the best running team in the league and it will be the running game that can get them to the playoffs. This is a make or break game for the Passion.

 This week’s game should be an exciting one. The first half should give everyone a good idea of what to expect for most of the game. If Tampa comes out strong, it will be interesting to see the Passion respond or throw in the towel. If the Passion come out motivated then can feel good about the game and take control. Either way this game should have a playoff feeling and emotion from both sides.

Posted by Matt Field

The last time LFL fans in Tampa saw their team was back in the dog days of training camp back in August. After months of preparation and more film study than Martin Scorsese, the Breeze are truly ready for their season opener. “no one on the team has been able to sleep all week”, exclaimed Tampa head coach and former St Louis Ram, Yo Murphy.

Either Coach Murphy is having difficulty sleeping because or the excitement of opening the season or because their opponent is one of the most feared teams in the league, the number two ranked Chicago Bliss. Chicago moved up to the number two ranking in the most recent power rankings despite not having played a snap since September 4th, that’s how high the expectations are of the Bliss. There seems to be a definite buzz in the Windy City about a championship season.

Chicago will come into Tampa with the most complete team outside of Dallas. Bliss head coach Keith Hac has an old-school philosophy of smash-mouth football and an intimidating power defense. Offensively, Chicago features their own version of ‘thunder and lightning’ with Tasha ‘the Tank’ Pryor and perhaps one of the most under-rated running backs in the league with Saran Dunmore. While the offense lacks a franchise quarterback, Elle Cartabiano manages the game well and avoids the big turnover. Besides a pair of great backs, Cartabiano has weapons on the outside led by Deborah Poles and Bre Junea. Expect Chicago to utilize their short screen-passing game due to Cartabiano’s lack of arm-strength to the stretch the field.

Defensively, Chicago could rival the ‘85 Chicago Bears team with the league’s best interior featuring the ‘Triangle of Doom’ which includes linebacker Brooke Finneke, defensive tackle Summer LaViolette and defensive end Nikki Lee. The only weak point of this team is the secondary which will tested by Tampa’s all-fantasy quarterback, Jenn Myers. Tampa could target DB Danielle Moinet who was exposed in the season opener by Miami’s Tina Caccavale who had over 100 yards receiving, although Moinet did finish off the Caliente with a late interception.

If Tampa is to stay in this game, they will need to score early and often. This team is certainlt set up for scoring via the vertical deep ball which Coach Murphy has installed, a similar attack to the St Louis Rams’ ‘Greatest Show On Turf’ which Murphy was a part of. The Breeze have been the mystery team of the LFL not having played a game all season. However, there is incredible buzz around the team that features the Peyton Manning of the LFL in Myers who will have several targets, one of which will be the quick-footed running back, Tiffany Powers. This game will come down th how Tampa’s front three on defense controls the line of scrimmage and Chicago’s run game.

Look for an exciting playoff atmosphere showdown under the Friday Night Lights in Tampa in one of the LFL’s biggest and loudest arenas.

After a stunning win last week at Philadelphia, the Miami Caliente (1-1) made a statement to the entire league. Philadelphia was not only the favorite to win last weeks game, but a contender to win the championship. Miami traveled to Philly and pulled off a huge upset and are flying high coming into this LFL Friday Night game versus the New York Majesty (0-1).

Comparing these two teams is interesting. So far they have each played a common opponent, Philadelphia. Here is a quick review of the New York and Philadelphia game. It was New York’s first home game and the Passion smashed them 40-6. New York had some potential but for the most part struggled. The success of the team relies on quarterback #1 Krystal Gray.  They scored on the opening drive but didn’t muster more than that. The Passion dominated.

Miami traveled to Philadelphia for the Passions first home game. On the road they battled an Eastern Conference favorite and took care of business. The team played far better than they did in their opener versus the Chicago Bliss. They ran the ball down the throats of the Passion and won the game 37-26.

Now Miami and New York are set to clash in Miami. Based off the performance of each teams first games, it seems Miami will be a clear cut favorite to win the game and help themselves clinch a playoff spot.  Everyone expected Miami to be a pass heavy team but they pounded the rock success last game behind the legs of running back #18 Kiki Toombs. She single handedly blew away the Passion defense and if Miami can run the ball like they did versus the Passion, then they have no reason to pass the ball.

New York is still a young and talented. They are under new coaching and a new playbook. We should see improvements in terms of their offense as they become more comfortable with the plays. Don’t expect perfection however, most teams had since May to learn the plays, and New York has had about a month. This team has loads of raw talent, but as of now their only consistent game changer is Krystal Gray. Gray is going to literally carry the team if they are going to keep up with Miami.

If the Majesty can find a way to establish the run, it will open the pass and that is where they can come up with big plays. Gray will need to find ways to try and trick Caliente safety #11 Tina Caccavale. She is a game changing defender and played huge in the game versus the Passion with seven interceptions and getting involved in 7 tackles, three of them solo.

But just like last week, anything can happen in the LFL. One week a team can be on top and the next week everyone can be questioning everything about the team. The Eastern Conference is wide open for the taking. Miami can make strides toward a playoff team and New York can prove to everyone that they should not be written off. It looks to be an exciting game and there should be plenty of highlights from the game.

Posted by Justin Trujillo

The Phillies may have just lost the World Series and the Eagles are looking to get back to the Superbowl but the Philadelphia Passion (1-0) look to be the team that can bring a championship home. This highly touted Passion team hosts a very respected Miami Caliente (0-1) team for the first November game of LFL Friday Night.

The Passion is coming off a big win over a confused New York team that struggled in all facets of the game. It was total domination. The Passion has a balanced and cohesive offense that put up six touchdowns on New York, three rushing and three passing. If the Passion can have this kind of out put every game, they should easily win the Eastern Conference.

The match up of the game should be the Miami defense versus the running back #13 Tyrah Lusby of Philadelphia. Lusby is an early candidate for league MVP. She was able to record a league record five touchdowns last week. Miami will have to find someway to stop her or it is going to be a long night. You will see Lusby getting the ball a number of different ways through screens, running plays, passes and kick returns.

Miami should look to attack the Philadelphia secondary. New York was able to connect on some deep passes and stretch the field making the Passion look suspect at best. The Passion defense only gave up six points but if New York was more careful with the balls, the game should have been much closer. Miami quarterback #12 Anonka Dixon wont make the errors that New York made and she can make plays in the air and on the ground.

Miami should be a better team than they were when the played the Chicago Bliss in their first game. Dixon should be more comfortbale in the playbook and able to connect with wide receiver #11 Tina Caccavale more often. Miami can be a pass friend offense and Dixon will need to be accurate and careful with the ball like she can be for immediate success.

Think of this match up like you would of the Los Angeles Temptation and Dallas Desire game a few weeks ago. Both teams trying to prove who is the conference favorite and make a statement to the league that they are the team to beat. The Passion and Caliente are both proud and looking for a landmark win.

Written by Justin Trujillo

For the first time this season, LFL Friday Night is shifting its attention to the east coast as fans get to see two new teams play in an Eastern Conference rivalry as the Philadelphia Passion (0-0) travel to the home field of the New York Majesty (0-0).

Featured center stage in this match up will be the quarterback play by both teams. Philadelphia quarterback # 1 Jackie Danico is in the same position that Dallas Desire quarterback #12 Linda Brenner was in. They both have immensely talented teams and both have very deep rosters. The success of the team is not dependant on the play of the quarterback but she still needs to find ways to get the ball to her play makers.

Look for Danico to try and get the ball in the hands of running back #13 Tyra Lusby. She is a dangerous weapon and a dual threat running the ball and catching the ball. The Passion should key on match ups where Lusby is lined up against a linebacker. If Lusby can get into the open field, she can make things happen.

On the flip side, the Majesty quarterback #1 Krystal Gray is going to have to be a playmaker. She is going to have to make accurate passes and timely throws to keep the Passion Defense on its heels. The Majesty have arguable the best offensive line in the league so Gray should have the time to make the pass. Success of the New York offense will be her burden to bear and with the help of wide receiver #3 Marie Nicole, the team has potential to have a potent offense.

A major challenge that the Majesty will also have to deal with is the schemes and the game plan of the Passion head coach Chandler Brown. Brown is highly respected around the league and is a very distinguished coach. He is aware of the coaching instability that New York has had and that within the past few weeks they have changed playbooks. He should develop a game plan that exploits New York’s inexperience in a new system and put pressure on new head coach for the Majesty Henry Racich who took over for Eric Mas.

Philly is coming in the clear favorites and New York should be ready for a tough battle. It should be an interesting game because both teams are trying to prove that the Eastern Conference is as good if not better than the Western Conference. This game should be a real treat for all LFL fans this Halloween weekend

Posted by Justin Trujillo

Once again, the Dallas Desire (2-0) has proven they are the team to beat. After a complete annihilation over San Diego on the road last week, the Desire are clear favorites to remain undefeated as the play the Los Angeles Temptation (1-0) in this weeks match up of LFL Friday Night.

In the two games that Dallas has played, the Desire has made winning look easy. Dallas is just allowing a mere 6.0 points per game and averaging 30.0 points in their wins. Dallas not only seems stacked on both sides of the ball but they have depth to go along with it. There is no weakness to this team. To make the team even more dangerous, they are getting running back #7 Anne Hanner back from suspension. Lets hope she can control herself in this game.

Do not count out Los Angeles just yet. This team has the potential to shock the league with an upset. Los Angeles is a team that played two different half’s in their opener versus Denver. In the first half they struggled on all aspects and went into the half trailing by 13 points. In the second half they came out and stunned Denver by shutting out the Dream offense and scoring 20 unanswered points. If the second half Temptation team comes to play, they can make the game interesting.

We know the Temptation can win on the road as they did in the shoot out with Denver. However, the challenge of playing the Desire in Dallas is a huge mountain to climb. Dallas is so balanced that Los Angeles will need to score on every possession and make some huge stops on defense.

Quarterback # 9 Joey Davenport for the Temptation is going to have to get it done for the Los Angeles offense. She is going to have to find ways to get the ball to WR #6 Britainie De Garbott who is a double threat in catching the ball and running the ball. Los Angeles should look to capitalize on quick passes and a solid running game. The Dallas home field QuickTrip Park is played on real grass like Denver but that shouldn’t be an issue because the Temptation did fine when they played in Denver. Los Angeles plays their home games on turf.

The match up that will matter most in the game however will be the Temptation defense versus the Desire offense. Up to this point, it looks like no one can stop the two headed running monster that is #8 Gabrielle Marie and #16 Crystal London. The speed and talent between these two girls will make quarterback #12 Linda Brenner’s job easy. If Brenner can complete some passes, then they should put up some points like they have been. Look for wide receiver #3 Amber Ryan to be more involved in the offense this game and getting the ball thrown her way.

The Temptation defense should key in and try anything to stop the run. If they can put the Desire in some tough passing situations, they have a chance to make some stops. Brenner does not have the strongest arm in the league so putting pressure on her will be key in the passing game hoping she makes some errors. Linebacker #13 Monique Gaxiola will have to be the Ray Lewis on the field. She will need to contain the running game and get pressure on Brenner. Whichever team finds a way to come out on top of these match ups has a solid chance to pull out the win.

Los Angeles and Dallas are looking to bring a punch to the game. Both teams feel they are the best team and both look to bring it all. Look for a heated game and a close game as the battle for LFL Western Conference supremacy.

Posted by Justin Trujillo

As hot as the LFL has been for the first six games of the season, things look to heat up when power house Dallas Desire (1-0) travel to San Diego (0-1) to take on the Seduction.

The Desire comes in after a big win after beating Denver but also have to play short-handed. League Owner Mitch Mortaza has suspended Desire running back #7Anne Hanner for her outburst in the game versus Denver. Anne lost composure and started a fight with the Denver team and coaches during the game and as a result she will not suit up for the game. Hopefully for Dallas sake, Anne can control her emotions for rest of the reason and not become a distraction for a team favored to win it all.

But offensively and defensively Dallas has it all. They play aggressive and have as much talent as any team in the league. The Defense plays fundamentally sound by wrapping up all their tackles, not getting beat on a deep pass and getting consistent pressure on the quarterback. If they play like they did versus Denver, the Dallas D can shut anyone down.

On the other side of the ball quarterback #12 Linda Brenner has the skills to get the job done. She can throw when needed and a balanced running attack led by #16 Crystal London should keep San Diego busy all game. Dallas should look to come in and strike early and take all emotion out of the Seduction and run away with the game.

San Diego looks to protect its home turf versus for the first time this season. In the Seductions opener, they got slapped in the face by the underrated Seattle Mist club. San Diego struggled most of the game but especially when it came to airing it out. Seduction quarterback #8 Rachel Carroccio finished the game with only 10 passing yards. Look for coach Michael Williams to make appropriate adjustments in regards to the passing game. San Diego has a talented player in wide receiver #16 Jennifer Frazer and getting her the ball will be key in the Seduction game plan.

What to expect from the San Diego defense will be interesting. First half versus the Mist they had trouble stopping the run and pass and gave up 14 points. The second half was a completely different story. They held the mist to only 6 points and consistently made stops when they needed too. The Seduction will need the second half defense to show up if they want to beat Dallas.

But the great thing about the LFL is you never know what you’re going to see. Each week is a surprise and this game does not look to disappoint. We have a great match up on our hands and this weeks game should be hotter than the San Diego temperatures.