2014 Season Recap
The Enforcers' 2014 season came to an end on Saturday, June 7th, following a non-league loss to the Chicago Blaze in the 5th Annual First Responder Bowl. The Enforcers finished the 2014 campaign with a record of 3-2 (3-1 NPSFL), a one game improvement over the 2013 effort. Although many goals on the field were not met, this season's Enforcers squad developed a great family attitude while meeting our key charitable goals. Though many may see the 2014 season as one that came up just short, it will hopefully prove to be a season that helped the organization move to the next level going forward. Many new players contributed to the team, both on the field and off, and the organization's future successes will depend on their involvement as we progress towards the 2015 season and beyond. The CPD Enforcers sincerely thank all of our supporters, fans, players, coaches, and support staff, and we are excited to continue in our mission into our 10th season of play.
march 29th, 2014: @ columbus marauders
The Enforcers kicked off the 2014 season of play against an NPSFL foe, the Columbus Marauders on March 29th in soggy Canal Winchester, OH. Conditions at kickoff were less than ideal, with driving rain, heavy winds, and the temperature in the mid 30s. The elements proved to be too much to overcome, as the Enforcers fell 18-7 to the Marauders. The first half of the game saw the Enforcers controlling the tempo via the ground game, with Chris Williams (#21, IDOC) and Chris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD) contributing standout performances carrying the ball. The Marauders were able to capitalize on several Enforcer turnovers in the second half, however, putting up 18 points en route to the victory.
April 12th, 2014: vs. cleveland warriors
Following the season opening loss to Columbus, the Enforcers would return home on April 12th to take on the Cleveland Warriors, a long-time rival of the Enforcers. In front of a home crowd at St. Rita High School, the Enforcers offense exploded in a thrilling 27-25 victory. Things looked bleak at the half, however, with the Enforcers trailing 19-6 and failing to get anything going offensively against a stout Cleveland defense.
The Enforcers were able to build momentum and confidence offensively in the second half, primarily behind the efforts of quarterback George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD), who was filling in for the injured Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213), and running backChris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD). Rodgers led all rushers on the day, gaining 105 yards on 18 carries to go along with 2 touchdowns. The Enforcers also benefited from a pivotal squib kick from kicker Chris Lenti (#10, Unit 177) which was recovered by defensive back Joe Negron (#19, Unit 412).
Defensively, the Enforcers were able to shake off some of the rust from their season-opening performance, holding Cleveland to -20 yards rushing overall on the day. The Enforcers defense was led by linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC), Jason Slater (#37, 014th District), and rookie Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD). Atkinson had 5 solo tackles on the day, along with an interception, while Slater added 4 solo stops with 2 being for a loss. Richardson, making his Enforcer debut, also added 4 solo tackles.
The real highlight of the day came at the post game party, however, as the Enforcers were able to honor Quinn Mulgrew, a cancer survivor and young supporter of the Cleveland Warriors. Quinn was responsible for forming a charity dedicated to providing toys for children suffering from cancer. Over the years, a relationship had been formed between the Enforcers and Quinn's organization, and it was our pleasure to host him at the game and honor him.
The Enforcers were able to build momentum and confidence offensively in the second half, primarily behind the efforts of quarterback George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD), who was filling in for the injured Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213), and running backChris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD). Rodgers led all rushers on the day, gaining 105 yards on 18 carries to go along with 2 touchdowns. The Enforcers also benefited from a pivotal squib kick from kicker Chris Lenti (#10, Unit 177) which was recovered by defensive back Joe Negron (#19, Unit 412).
Defensively, the Enforcers were able to shake off some of the rust from their season-opening performance, holding Cleveland to -20 yards rushing overall on the day. The Enforcers defense was led by linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC), Jason Slater (#37, 014th District), and rookie Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD). Atkinson had 5 solo tackles on the day, along with an interception, while Slater added 4 solo stops with 2 being for a loss. Richardson, making his Enforcer debut, also added 4 solo tackles.
The real highlight of the day came at the post game party, however, as the Enforcers were able to honor Quinn Mulgrew, a cancer survivor and young supporter of the Cleveland Warriors. Quinn was responsible for forming a charity dedicated to providing toys for children suffering from cancer. Over the years, a relationship had been formed between the Enforcers and Quinn's organization, and it was our pleasure to host him at the game and honor him.
Quinn being presented with his award by LB Jason Slater and coach Ryan Ladd
May 3rd, 2014: gold star memorial bowl vs. nycd boldest
With a 1-1 record, the Enforcers came into annual Gold Star Memorial Bowl vs. the New York Corrections Department Boldest with a newly found sense of swagger and momentum. In a very physical and hard fought game, the Enforcers earned a 7-6 victory for their second straight win.
The Enforcers went into halftime trailing the Boldest 7-0, with NYCD returning a Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213) interception for a touchdown, the Boldest's only score on the day. The game started off with the Enforcers having all the momentum, however, with kicker Chris Lenti (#10, Unit 177) executing a perfect onside kick that was recovered by defensive back Joey Moran (#16, CCDS). The Enforcers, despite a long run on a fake punt by tight end/punter Jim Hatzikonstantinou (#88, Unit 411), were unable to put the ball in the end zone on the opening drive. Aside from a Chris Williams (#21, IDOC) touchdown run, the Enforcers offense struggled in the face of a very tough Boldest defense, committing 4 turnovers.
The Enforcers defense was the story of the game, preventing NYCD from getting anything going offensively. The Boldest power-rushing attack proved to be no match for the front seven of the Enforcers defense, who were without defensive captain Aaron Chappell (#93, Unit 213) as he recovered from oral surgery. Despite the absence of Chappell, the defensive line stepped up and controlled the tone of the game. Once the Enforcers gained a lead, the game was sealed by a Chris Beranek (#90, Illinois DOJ) sack and forced fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle James Tummavichakul (#54, Federal Marshal). The Boldest would regain possession one last time, though, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when defensive lineman Chris Inniss (#45, Unit 413) batted down a 4th down pass attempt by Boldest quarterback Reggie Rothwell. Other defensive highlights were displayed by linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC) and Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD), both of whom added yet another strong performance.
The Enforcers went into halftime trailing the Boldest 7-0, with NYCD returning a Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213) interception for a touchdown, the Boldest's only score on the day. The game started off with the Enforcers having all the momentum, however, with kicker Chris Lenti (#10, Unit 177) executing a perfect onside kick that was recovered by defensive back Joey Moran (#16, CCDS). The Enforcers, despite a long run on a fake punt by tight end/punter Jim Hatzikonstantinou (#88, Unit 411), were unable to put the ball in the end zone on the opening drive. Aside from a Chris Williams (#21, IDOC) touchdown run, the Enforcers offense struggled in the face of a very tough Boldest defense, committing 4 turnovers.
The Enforcers defense was the story of the game, preventing NYCD from getting anything going offensively. The Boldest power-rushing attack proved to be no match for the front seven of the Enforcers defense, who were without defensive captain Aaron Chappell (#93, Unit 213) as he recovered from oral surgery. Despite the absence of Chappell, the defensive line stepped up and controlled the tone of the game. Once the Enforcers gained a lead, the game was sealed by a Chris Beranek (#90, Illinois DOJ) sack and forced fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle James Tummavichakul (#54, Federal Marshal). The Boldest would regain possession one last time, though, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when defensive lineman Chris Inniss (#45, Unit 413) batted down a 4th down pass attempt by Boldest quarterback Reggie Rothwell. Other defensive highlights were displayed by linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC) and Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD), both of whom added yet another strong performance.
May 17th, 2014: @ philadelphia blue flame
In one of the more anticipated games of the 2014 NPSFL season, the Enforcers traveled east to Philadelphia to take on the Blue Flame in a rematch of the 2011 NPSFL Division II championship game. This was a game that would have implications for the NPSFL National Championship, and with a 31-15 victory the Enforcers found themselves with a chance to compete for a championship. The Enforcers raced out of the gates to a 23-7 halftime lead over the host Blue Flame and held strongly onto the lead for the remainder of the game.
Offensively, quarterback Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213) had a big day, linking up with wide receivers Bob Slechter (#3, 011th District), Dan Passarelli (#5, Unit 312), and George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD) for several big plays. On the ground, running backs Chris Williams (#21, IDOC) and Chris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD) once again had strong performances carrying the ball.
The Enforcers defense found success once again, this time against Philly's spread based passing attack. Linebacker Jason Slater (#37, 014th District) and defensive back Emile Domer (#27, 006th District) had interceptions, along with Chris Rodgers who saw action in reserve duty at defensive back. Linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC) and Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD) once again had big days in run support, along with defensive lineman Chris Beranek (#90, IDOJ).
Offensively, quarterback Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213) had a big day, linking up with wide receivers Bob Slechter (#3, 011th District), Dan Passarelli (#5, Unit 312), and George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD) for several big plays. On the ground, running backs Chris Williams (#21, IDOC) and Chris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD) once again had strong performances carrying the ball.
The Enforcers defense found success once again, this time against Philly's spread based passing attack. Linebacker Jason Slater (#37, 014th District) and defensive back Emile Domer (#27, 006th District) had interceptions, along with Chris Rodgers who saw action in reserve duty at defensive back. Linebackers Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC) and Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD) once again had big days in run support, along with defensive lineman Chris Beranek (#90, IDOJ).
June 7th, 2014: 5th annual first responder bowl vs. chicago blaze
The Enforcers wrapped up the 2014 season in the 5th Annual First Responder Bowl against the Chicago Blaze, representing the Chicago Fire Department. In a back-and-forth, emotional roller coaster of a game, the Blaze were victorious for the 3rd straight year, defeating the Enforcers 17-15 in front of a capacity crowd at Brother Rice High School.
The game was a defensive battle in the first half, with the score knotted up at 0 after the first two quarters of play. The game came alive in the 4th quarter, however. Following an injury to quarterback Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213), wide receiver George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD) led the Enforcers down the field with under 3 minutes remaining. On 2nd and 12, Hickey attempted a play action pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown to give the Blaze a 14-7 lead. Hickey and the Enforcers showed no signs of quitting, however, as Hickey led the offense back down the field with under two minutes remaining. The drive was capped off by a long touchdown pass to Dan Passarelli (#5, Unit 312), who made an outstanding catch in the end zone. The Enforcers were playing to win, and converted a 2 point conversion run by rookie Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD), a standout linebacker for the Enforcers who during his collegiate career played fullback at Division 1 FCS Western Illinois. With the two point conversion, the Enforcers now led 15-14 with 1:44 left to play in the ball game.
The John Welsh-led Blaze were not done, however. Welsh was able to utilize the flats to pick up big chunks of yardage through the air, driving the Blaze offense down the field. The game looked to be in hand following a pass breakup in the end zone by Chris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD), however a questionable pass interference flag was thrown. With six seconds remaining in the game, the Blaze were able to kick a short field goal to give them the 17-15 lead that they would not relinquish.
Defensively, the Enforcers were led by Richardson and Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC), with both players recording multiple sacks on Welsh. Despite the final score, the Enforcers played a solid game defensively up until the second half of the final quarter of play. The loss gives the Enforcers a 2-3 all time record vs. the Blaze.
The game was a defensive battle in the first half, with the score knotted up at 0 after the first two quarters of play. The game came alive in the 4th quarter, however. Following an injury to quarterback Vince Macias (#18, Unit 213), wide receiver George Hickey (#2, Forest Park PD) led the Enforcers down the field with under 3 minutes remaining. On 2nd and 12, Hickey attempted a play action pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown to give the Blaze a 14-7 lead. Hickey and the Enforcers showed no signs of quitting, however, as Hickey led the offense back down the field with under two minutes remaining. The drive was capped off by a long touchdown pass to Dan Passarelli (#5, Unit 312), who made an outstanding catch in the end zone. The Enforcers were playing to win, and converted a 2 point conversion run by rookie Rick Richardson (#44, Wheeling PD), a standout linebacker for the Enforcers who during his collegiate career played fullback at Division 1 FCS Western Illinois. With the two point conversion, the Enforcers now led 15-14 with 1:44 left to play in the ball game.
The John Welsh-led Blaze were not done, however. Welsh was able to utilize the flats to pick up big chunks of yardage through the air, driving the Blaze offense down the field. The game looked to be in hand following a pass breakup in the end zone by Chris Rodgers (#23, Federal Reserve PD), however a questionable pass interference flag was thrown. With six seconds remaining in the game, the Blaze were able to kick a short field goal to give them the 17-15 lead that they would not relinquish.
Defensively, the Enforcers were led by Richardson and Brian Atkinson (#52, CCDOC), with both players recording multiple sacks on Welsh. Despite the final score, the Enforcers played a solid game defensively up until the second half of the final quarter of play. The loss gives the Enforcers a 2-3 all time record vs. the Blaze.
