game preview: enforcers vs. CFD Blaze
5th annual First responder bowl
DATE: June 7th, 2014
TIME: 3 pm
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
For more information, visit the official Facebook event for the game.
TIME: 3 pm
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
For more information, visit the official Facebook event for the game.
Enforcers QB Vince Macias
THE LAST TIME OUT
The Enforcers return home to Chicago following a 31-15 victory over the Philadelphia Blue Flame, a contest which saw the Enforcer offense have a productive day both on the ground and through the air. The Enforcers (3-1, 3-1 NPSFL) raced out of the gates to a 23-7 halftime lead over the host Blue Flame (4-2, 3-1 NPSFL) 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).
With the victory, the Enforcers close out their season of NPSFL play with a 3-1 record.
The Enforcers return home to Chicago following a 31-15 victory over the Philadelphia Blue Flame, a contest which saw the Enforcer offense have a productive day both on the ground and through the air. The Enforcers (3-1, 3-1 NPSFL) raced out of the gates to a 23-7 halftime lead over the host Blue Flame (4-2, 3-1 NPSFL) 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).
With the victory, the Enforcers close out their season of NPSFL play with a 3-1 record.
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ON THE AIR
The game will be streaming live via Sports Town Chicago, with voice of the Enforcers Brian SloppyMeatSauce handling play-by-play duties and former Enforcer quarterback Tom Baker providing color commentary. Leading up to the game, you can hear Enforcers Weekly every Thursday night from 7-8 pm.
Additionally, the First Responder Bowl will make it's way back to local television this season, as Comcast SportsNet Chicago's CN100 will be covering the game, as it is their game of the week. The game will air the following day, Sunday, June 8th, at Noon and 4 pm.
The game will be streaming live via Sports Town Chicago, with voice of the Enforcers Brian SloppyMeatSauce handling play-by-play duties and former Enforcer quarterback Tom Baker providing color commentary. Leading up to the game, you can hear Enforcers Weekly every Thursday night from 7-8 pm.
Additionally, the First Responder Bowl will make it's way back to local television this season, as Comcast SportsNet Chicago's CN100 will be covering the game, as it is their game of the week. The game will air the following day, Sunday, June 8th, at Noon and 4 pm.
THE VENUE
The First Responder Bowl will be taking place at Brother Rice High School, located on the city's southwest side. The Enforcers are 3-1 all time at the stadium, and it has previously hosted both the First Responder Bowl and the Gold Star Memorial Bowl in past seasons. This will mark the game's return to the city of Chicago, as last year the game was held at St. Laurence High School in Burbank.
The First Responder Bowl will be taking place at Brother Rice High School, located on the city's southwest side. The Enforcers are 3-1 all time at the stadium, and it has previously hosted both the First Responder Bowl and the Gold Star Memorial Bowl in past seasons. This will mark the game's return to the city of Chicago, as last year the game was held at St. Laurence High School in Burbank.
THE COACH
Greg Zaragoza is in the midst of his 5th season as the Enforcers head coach (9th season on the staff overall), carrying a 15-8 career record. The 19 year CPD veteran also serves as the team's primary offensive play caller. En route to becoming the winningest coach in Enforcer history, Greg has won two First Responder Bowl championships and one NPSFL National Championship.
Greg Zaragoza is in the midst of his 5th season as the Enforcers head coach (9th season on the staff overall), carrying a 15-8 career record. The 19 year CPD veteran also serves as the team's primary offensive play caller. En route to becoming the winningest coach in Enforcer history, Greg has won two First Responder Bowl championships and one NPSFL National Championship.
THE CAPTAINS
The Enforcers are led this season by captains Mike Belmontez (Offensive Line, 008th District), Aaron Chappell (Defensive Line, Unit 213), Will Murphy (Defensive Back, Unit 393), Jason Slater (Linebacker, 014th District), and Bob Slechter (Wide Receiver, 011th District).
The Enforcers are led this season by captains Mike Belmontez (Offensive Line, 008th District), Aaron Chappell (Defensive Line, Unit 213), Will Murphy (Defensive Back, Unit 393), Jason Slater (Linebacker, 014th District), and Bob Slechter (Wide Receiver, 011th District).
Enforcers Aaron Chappell, Jim Lazansky, Will Murphy, Paul Habiak, and Tori Clinton celebrating following the 2nd Annual 1st Responder Bowl
THE RIVALRY
Since its inception, the First Responder Bowl has been viewed as a classic rivalry between two groups of people who work together on a daily basis, often depending on one another for safety in their line of work. In addition to raising thousands of dollars for charity each year, pride and bragging rights are a huge part of what the game is all about.
In previous seasons, the game has also weighed heavily into postseason championship play, with the Enforcers using the 2011 victory to springboard into the NPSFL Division II National Championship, which they ultimately won. That is not the case this season, however, as the Blaze left the NPSFL following the 2013 season to join the American Public Safety Football League. Though this a non-league game without any bearing on championship play, it is still viewed as an important match up for the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, and the entire city of Chicago.
The series between the Enforcers and Blaze is currently tied at 2-2, with the Blaze winning the past two meetings. The Enforcers won the inaugural game 21-14 in 2010, and then repeated with a thrilling 29-26 comeback win in 2011. The Blaze have had the Enforcers' number in 2012 and 2013, though, winning 19-13 and 37-7, respectively.
Since its inception, the First Responder Bowl has been viewed as a classic rivalry between two groups of people who work together on a daily basis, often depending on one another for safety in their line of work. In addition to raising thousands of dollars for charity each year, pride and bragging rights are a huge part of what the game is all about.
In previous seasons, the game has also weighed heavily into postseason championship play, with the Enforcers using the 2011 victory to springboard into the NPSFL Division II National Championship, which they ultimately won. That is not the case this season, however, as the Blaze left the NPSFL following the 2013 season to join the American Public Safety Football League. Though this a non-league game without any bearing on championship play, it is still viewed as an important match up for the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, and the entire city of Chicago.
The series between the Enforcers and Blaze is currently tied at 2-2, with the Blaze winning the past two meetings. The Enforcers won the inaugural game 21-14 in 2010, and then repeated with a thrilling 29-26 comeback win in 2011. The Blaze have had the Enforcers' number in 2012 and 2013, though, winning 19-13 and 37-7, respectively.
The NYPD Finest clinched a spot in the NPSFL National Championship
THE CHAMPIONSHIP
With the win over the Philadelphia, the Enforcers entered back into the hunt for the NPSFL National Championship. The NYPD Finest have already clinched a spot in the championship game after defeating FDNY Bravest 13-3 in the annual Fun City Bowl. If the San Diego Enforcers are victorious on the road vs. the Roanoke Rampage this coming weekend, then they will clinch the other spot and host the title game in San Diego. However, if Roanoke defeats San Diego, the Enforcers will host the NYPD Finest here in Chicago for the national championship.
With the win over the Philadelphia, the Enforcers entered back into the hunt for the NPSFL National Championship. The NYPD Finest have already clinched a spot in the championship game after defeating FDNY Bravest 13-3 in the annual Fun City Bowl. If the San Diego Enforcers are victorious on the road vs. the Roanoke Rampage this coming weekend, then they will clinch the other spot and host the title game in San Diego. However, if Roanoke defeats San Diego, the Enforcers will host the NYPD Finest here in Chicago for the national championship.
CFD Blaze QB John Welsh
THE OPPONENT
The Chicago Fire Department Blaze are 3-1 on the season to this point, defeating the Tampa Bay Sentinels, Houston Gunners (via forfeit), and Cincinnati Ambassadors, while falling to the Illinois Cowboys. The Blaze have seen some shifting in their schedule due to league complications, including forfeits and rescheduling by other APSFL members.
The Blaze, who are coached by Ed Zbikowski, operate out of a strong spread offense led by quarterback John Welsh. Also currently rostered for the Blaze is former NFL player Tom Zbikowski.
The Chicago Fire Department Blaze are 3-1 on the season to this point, defeating the Tampa Bay Sentinels, Houston Gunners (via forfeit), and Cincinnati Ambassadors, while falling to the Illinois Cowboys. The Blaze have seen some shifting in their schedule due to league complications, including forfeits and rescheduling by other APSFL members.
The Blaze, who are coached by Ed Zbikowski, operate out of a strong spread offense led by quarterback John Welsh. Also currently rostered for the Blaze is former NFL player Tom Zbikowski.
THE NPSFL
The Enforcers proudly compete as members of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL), a national coalition of emergency first reponders that donate time, effort and service to the various communities teams compete in. Each team is comprised solely of fully-sworn, fully-active law enforcement officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and military police/fire fighters. Each team raises money during their season for designated charities in their respective city, with the league also donating a sizable amount to a chosen charity each year.
It is the goal of the league to raise money for charities via spirited play. Since the league's inception, over $100,000 have been raised for charities throughout the U.S.
The Enforcers proudly compete as members of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL), a national coalition of emergency first reponders that donate time, effort and service to the various communities teams compete in. Each team is comprised solely of fully-sworn, fully-active law enforcement officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and military police/fire fighters. Each team raises money during their season for designated charities in their respective city, with the league also donating a sizable amount to a chosen charity each year.
It is the goal of the league to raise money for charities via spirited play. Since the league's inception, over $100,000 have been raised for charities throughout the U.S.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
The following are the NPSFL games taking place this coming weekend:
6/07 Columbus Marauders @ Central Texas Wolfpack
6/07 NYCD Boldest @ DSNY Strongest
6/07 San Diego Enforcers @ Roanoke Rampage
6/07 Columbus Marauders @ Central Texas Wolfpack
6/07 NYCD Boldest @ DSNY Strongest
6/07 San Diego Enforcers @ Roanoke Rampage
NPSFL Standings
Division I teamNYPD Finest
San Diego Enforcers CPD Enforcers Philadelphia Blue Flame Dallas Defenders Roanoke Rampage LAPD Centurions FDNY Bravest Charlotte Cobras NYCD Boldest Atlanta Defenders |
record4-0
3-0 3-1 3-1 3-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 1-3 0-4 |
division ii teamDC Generals
Orlando Guardians Columbus Marauders Cleveland Warriors Orange County Lawmen DSNY Strongest Central Texas Wolfpack Bakersfield Falcons |
RECORD3-1
3-1 2-1 2-2 1-3 0-3 0-3 0-4 |
NPSFL Scores For previous scores, visit the NPSFL website.
Date5/24
5/24 5/31 5/31 5/31 |
teamsCleveland Warriors @ Columbus Marauders
Dallas Defenders @ NYCD Boldest San Diego Enforcers @ LAPD Centurions DC Generals @ Charlotte Cobras FDNY Bravest @ NYPD Finest |
scoreColumbus 14, Cleveland 0
NYCD 32, Dallas 0 San Diego 22, LAPD 16 Charlotte 45, DC 6 NYPD 13, FDNY 3 |
ONTO THE NEXT ONE
Future game information TBD.
