-Michael Burmeister

In WFA Southeast Region action, the two best women’s football teams in all Florida hit the gridiron once again for quite possibly the most crucial matchup between both teams, as D2’s Tampa Bay Inferno (4-3, 4-0 D2) resume their “War on I-4” against the defending D3 National Champions Orlando Anarchy (7-0, 2-0 D3), both teams needing this win to secure their playoff hopes.

All-time series: Inferno lead, 13-4

Points: Inferno 549, Anarchy 181

Meeting of the year: Second

Last meeting: The Anarchy edged the Inferno 38-36 in Tampa on April 20.

Thoughts on the Inferno: Although this season has been perhaps the most challenging the Inferno have had in recent history (largely because of a change in the WFA’s playoff format), they still have PLENTY of sparks of greatness to ’em, with Candi Rolo Thompson leading the charge on the ground and on defense, Kim Y. Shaw having Dominique Jacobs and Candy Brady Pistole as her two favorite targets, and Thompson, Rosalee Hammonds, Melissa Acevedo, Sheylia Rutland and Patrice Collie gettin’ things done on defense, both on the line and out back (Rutland and Collie combining for eight INTs this season). A victory against their new archrivals, combined with decisive losses by the Cleveland Fusion, New York Wolves and Baltimore Nighthawks would get the Inferno back on track for their third D2 National Championship appearance in four seasons (where they hope to win it this time).

Thoughts on the Anarchy: Have you ever wanted to see a team of defending D3 National Champions, who are undefeated and playing DOMINANTLY against their peers (and several D2 teams), face a “must-win” scenario to solidify their postseason chances? Thanks to the Massey Ratings, this is exactly the scenario in which the Anarchy find themselves…however, they’ve NEVER been one to let the odds weigh them down. With the offensive “Big Four” of gunslinger Chandice Hunter, ground warrior Brittany Koziara and top targets Crystal Bell and Cabriel Duren leading the high-scoring charge combined with the likes of Bell, Duren, Michelle Anthony, Sydney Blahnik and Constance Femi Sobers leading the way on defense, the Anarchy are ready to overcome WHATEVER is in their way, be it archrivals or algorithms, as they look to officially make a dynasty in Colorado this July!

The questions are: Will the Inferno recapture the throne as the Queens of Florida and get the extra help they need to make a dark-horse playoff run? Or will the Anarchy complete the season sweep, cap off a perfect regular season, and get started on their road to back-to-back titles in Golden?