WFA Playoff Recap and Conference Championship Preview

The DC Divas look to defend their WFA title, but standing in the way are the Boston Renegades (DC Divas/Facebook)

Tier I

Battle of the Champions

Leading 14-0 at the half, the Divas used a 20-7 third quarter to pull away from the Passion and win the “Battle of the Champions” 41-29. Ashley Whisonant caught 2 touchdowns from Quarterback Allyson Hamlin and returned a punt for another touchdown. The Passion would make a strong comeback in the fourth quarter from the arm of backup Quarterback Janice Masters with 2 quick scores in the final 80 seconds. The damage had already been done however with great defense from the Divas.

Upset Special

In May, the Force beat the Renegades 58-14. In the playoffs, the Renegades flipped the script on the Force, ending the season for the Force 17-13. Boston’s defense was amazing, forcing 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions. The Force outgained the Renegades 491 yards to 296 yards, with Quarterback Rasan Gore rushing for 177 yards and passing for 247 yards. However it was Whitney Zelee’s rushing touchdown late in the game gave the Renegades the huge upset win.

Taking Care of Business

The undefeated teams in the American Conference rolled with the Dallas Elite beating the Kansas City Titans 70-13 and the Central Cal War Angels beat the Pacific Warriors for the third time this year, this time 46-14. The Titans had been the only team to put up 20 points on the Elite this season and the Elite were not going to take the Titans lightly. Dallas put it to Kansas City early and often with the arm of Quarterback Jessica Gerhart who picked apart the Titans defense. The Central Cal War Angels were also led by their gun slinging Quarterback Chantel Niino-Wiggins as well as an overpowering defense.

Tier II

Phantomz and Trojans Squeak into Semi-Finals

The Philadelphia Phantomz’ three losses this season were to the two teams playing in the Tier I National Conference Finals, so heading into the game with the Columbus Comets, it seemed to be a good matchup for the Phantomz. However the Comets defense would make this a great game holding the Phantomz to just 20 points in the 20-14 Philadelphia win. With the Sin City Trojans leading 22-12 at the half, the Mile High Blaze made a comeback in the second half, unfortunately running out of time and falling to Sin City 28-24. The Blaze battled through penalties to keep it close.

Inferno and Slam Powers on

There were questions as whether the Tampa Bay Inferno’s schedule would prepare them for the playoffs. The Inferno proved that their undefeated record was for real with a convincing 50-12 win over the Alabama Fire. The Fire have a great running game, but the Inferno were the ones running all over the field. The St. Louis Slam also showed its strength with a 53-0 win over the Houston Power. The Slam were led by Running Back Candice Watkins with three touchdowns.

Tier III

The score was tied 0-0 at halftime, but the Richmond Black Widows would not be denied their trip to the Tier III Championship coming from behind in the fourth quarter to beat the Keystone Assault 14-8. Richmond will take on the Acadiana Zydeco on Friday July 22nd in Pittsburgh for the Tier III Championship.

WFA Conference Championship Preview

Tier I

Boston Renegades @ DC Divas

These two teams gave every fan an epic battle in April, with the Divas winning on a touchdown score with 17 seconds remaining. In June, the Divas pummeled the Renegades 55-7. The Renegades have been without Quarterback Allison Cahill since May 21st, but her leadership on the sidelines in the playoffs has been invaluable, guiding new Quarterback Chantel Bonds throughout the game. The question of this game is can the Renegades defense shut down the powerful dual attack of the Divas like they did with the Force in Round 2? The Divas Quarterback Allyson Hamlin can spread the ball or they can power the ball on the ground with Kenyatta Grigsby. The powerful Divas offense has scored over 40 points each of the last 7 games. Divas have a date with destiny.

Prediction: DC 46, Boston 13

Central Cal War Angels @ Dallas Elite

The “Battle of the Unbeatens” will pit the Pacific Champs, the 7-0 Central Cal War Angels against the Midwest Champs, the 8-0 Dallas Elite. The teams scored a combine 985 points in 15 games and held opponents to an average of 4 points per game. So will we see an unbelievable shootout? Or will it be a great defensive battle of who flinches first? Both teams have been able to pass and run over their opponents so far this year, but only the Elite have played a team that is still in the playoffs in the DC Divas and Dallas rolled 40-19 over DC. Dallas will continue on their #RoadtoRedemption

Prediction: Dallas 42, Central Cal 26

Tier II

Philadelphia Phantomz @ Tampa Bay Inferno

Philadelphia plays in the toughest division in the WFA and have battled all season against teams like DC, Boston, and Richmond. The Phantomz are a hard-nosed team that will go down swinging whenever their season does come to an end. The Inferno proved their worth last week dominating the Alabama Fire. Tampa Bay has a strong offense and a defense to match. The Inferno offense may be too much for the Phantomz.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 34, Philadelphia 18

Sin City Trojans @ St. Louis Slam

Sin City has had an up and down season starting 3-0, then losing its next 4 games, and winning its final regular season game and the first playoff game. Sin City squeaked into this matchup and may be reaching the season’s finale. St. Louis went almost a full month between the end of the regular season and their second round game, but the time off made them stronger. The Slam will only get 2 weeks to prepare for the Trojans, but the Slam’s offense has been dynamite in its last 2 games including a 32-0 win over the Kansas City Titans.

Prediction: St. Louis 28, Sin City 13

Follow Kyle Wescott on Twitter @MHSWescott