Almost four years ago, in the 2014 Western Conference Championship the Chicago Bliss defeated the Los Angeles Temptation by the score of 40–12, which closed a chapter on one the leagues biggest rivalry at the time in the LFL. The two franchises played each other numerous times during the league’s first five seasons but have not faced-off since. To kick off season nine, the LFL features a matchup seen in a number of meaningful games- including important regular season games, multiple Western Conference Championships, and even the first Legends Cup (originally known as the lingerie bowl).
Combined the Bliss and Temptation have six Legends Cup Championships and last season was the first time in League History one of the two teams was not playing in the Legends Cup as both were eliminated in the Conference Championship round a season ago. In fact LA has not returned to the Legends Cup since winning their third in a row in 2012. Season after season for the last five years LA has found a way to fall just short of advancing to the big game with five winning seasons, but nothing to show for.
On the flip side of the matchup- in the time since LA’s glory days, Chicago has won three Legends Cups (competed in four consecutive) and have made the playoffs every season since. With Chicago’s dominance (but certainly dwindling) as well as the Seattle Mist’s rise to championship form, the memory of prestige in Black and Silver has faded. This Saturday night is a chance for both franchises to steer their legacy in a positive direction. Chicago hosts LA in the Hoffman Estates Sears Centre this Saturday, April 14th with a 7pm CST kick-off.
Combined the Bliss and Temptation have six Legends Cup Championships and last season was the first time in League History one of the two teams was not playing in the Legends Cup as both were eliminated in the Conference Championship round a season ago. In fact LA has not returned to the Legends Cup since winning their third in a row in 2012. Season after season for the last five years LA has found a way to fall just short of advancing to the big game with five winning seasons, but nothing to show for.
On the flip side of the matchup- in the time since LA’s glory days, Chicago has won three Legends Cups (competed in four consecutive) and have made the playoffs every season since. With Chicago’s dominance (but certainly dwindling) as well as the Seattle Mist’s rise to championship form, the memory of prestige in Black and Silver has faded. This Saturday night is a chance for both franchises to steer their legacy in a positive direction. Chicago hosts LA in the Hoffman Estates Sears Centre this Saturday, April 14th with a 7pm CST kick-off.
LA Temptation
The big news surrounding the Temptation is the suspension of all-star quarterback Ashley Salerno. Salerno has been suspended for violating the league’s discipline policy, which leaves recently signed back-up quarterback Kiara Patterson to take the start. Patterson took snaps in a number of games last season, but also gained a lot of experience in 2016 when she shared playing time with the Bliss’ current starter under center- Jayne Caldwell. Patterson is an athletic quarterback with a medium strength arm, you won’t see her heaving the ball downfield on every play however she will be able to hit the short throws with good accuracy. Realistically she will pull the ball down and run if her first read is covered.
On a plus note, the game shouldn’t all be put on Kiara’s arm because Carmen Bourseau will be leading a backfield which also sees the return of speedster Nas Johnson. When on song this pair creates a great 1-2 punch of thunder and lightning!
On a plus note, the game shouldn’t all be put on Kiara’s arm because Carmen Bourseau will be leading a backfield which also sees the return of speedster Nas Johnson. When on song this pair creates a great 1-2 punch of thunder and lightning!
Outside of the two running backs there is no real proven threat on this offense, Delaney Hall has the potential to be a solid starter but she is yet to post any big numbers. This leaves their rookies needing to pick up a lot of slack otherwise it could be a long night for LA’s defence.
On the defensive side of the ball Megan Hanson will be in her second year of playing middle linebacker and therefore should have a more well-rounded game. Her tackling ability will never be in question as you will see from the stats she posted last season however if she has developed the ability to read the game and anticipate plays remains to be seen. Other players to note on defence are Danielle Harvey and Lily Granston. Both of these players will need to elevate their games to the next level in order to make LA competitive this year!
On the defensive side of the ball Megan Hanson will be in her second year of playing middle linebacker and therefore should have a more well-rounded game. Her tackling ability will never be in question as you will see from the stats she posted last season however if she has developed the ability to read the game and anticipate plays remains to be seen. Other players to note on defence are Danielle Harvey and Lily Granston. Both of these players will need to elevate their games to the next level in order to make LA competitive this year!
Chicago Bliss
Onto Chicago now aka The Player Factory! Every year Coach Hac always manages to unearth these gems which turn out to be all star calibre players just when he needs them. Two years ago they lost Alli Alberts and Heather Furr and in walked Jacinda Barclay and AJ Johnson. Coach Hac also found all-star talent in linebacker Kristin Morrison, running back Javell Thompson and most recently wide receiver Tamika Robinson.
When you add the young players to the veteran talent they have on both sides of the ball, it is tough to look further than Chicago for dominance in the Eastern Conference but as they say any given Sunday, anything can happen!
When you add the young players to the veteran talent they have on both sides of the ball, it is tough to look further than Chicago for dominance in the Eastern Conference but as they say any given Sunday, anything can happen!
In spite of all the talent on this roster, all eyes will be on quarterback Jayne Caldwell who returns for another season in Chicago. Jayne was heavily criticised for her performances last year and whilst in the Eastern Conference game she did not play her best football, her performance during the regular season definitely deserves more credit than it received. Jayne has been working tirelessly with QB coach Matthew Pike over the last two years and Coach Hac will be expecting this to be her breakout year!
Defensively Chicago has recruited veteran safety Theresa Petruziello to strengthen up an already impressive list of defensive backs that includes Tamar Fennel and the league’s best ever cornerback Dominque Collins. Chicago honestly has so much talent on the defensive side of the ball it would take a long time to break them all down, just know that come game time, they will be ready and chomping at the bit!
Defensively Chicago has recruited veteran safety Theresa Petruziello to strengthen up an already impressive list of defensive backs that includes Tamar Fennel and the league’s best ever cornerback Dominque Collins. Chicago honestly has so much talent on the defensive side of the ball it would take a long time to break them all down, just know that come game time, they will be ready and chomping at the bit!
This season these teams will be facing off against each other twice, the first of which comes this Saturday 14th April 2018. If you are anywhere near Chicago this weekend then make sure you head over to the Sears Centre to watch this clash of the titans. Game prediction - Chicago 34 LA 18.