Back on the Beat With the Chicago Bliss

The Chicago Bliss open their 2018 season against the Los Angeles Temptation on Saturday, April 14 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Led by Coach Keith Hac, the winningest coach in Legends Football League history, the 3 time champion Bliss have a lot to prove this season.

The Bliss won the LFL title in 2013, 2014 and 2016, but failed to make the championship game in 2017. That could not have sat well with Coach Hac, who has not earned his legendary status by accepting anything less than the best.

Coach Hac's motto of “ABR” (Always Be Recruiting) has given the Bliss the deepest and most talented team in the league for years. It also extends to his coaching staff, also considered to be the deepest and most prepared.

At Quarterback is 4th year player Jayne Caldwell. Offensive Coordinator (former QB coach) Matt Pike has worked closely with Caldwell to improve her game. Caldwell has been the target of much criticism from outside the team, but that is nothing new to the Bliss.

Former MVP Quarterback “Rockstar” Heather Furr was much-maligned during her career for her lack of arm strength and true QB abilities, but Furr was a winner and Coach Hac designed an offense to play to her strengths. Coach Hac has always had a way of proving critics wrong.

Of course, another component in those offenses was “The Ferrari” ChrisDell Harris. After rushing for what will be a Hall of Fame career, Harris and the Bliss have parted ways. Filling her shoes will be a tough job for Coaches Hac and Pike, but that's another spot where ABR comes into play.

Javell Thompson appears set to be the main rusher. She doesn't have the size and strength of Harris, but she has shown speed and skills. Thompson will also see some passes thrown her way, as the Bliss offense looks to diversify.

Tamika Robinson and Chabria Survellion make an interesting receiving tandem. Robinson has speed and elusiveness, while Survellion is a clutch shorter route receiver. Together, they cover the field.and give Caldwell options and area. Also returning is Carla Kosak (after one year with Omaha). Kosak has improved every year.

The Bliss offensive line is a bit inexperienced. Mae Yates, Quincy Hewitt and Brittany Wilson have potential and many practices of working together will help.

On defense, veteran standouts Dominique Collins, Alli Alberts and Chantell Taylor lead an exciting group. Kristen Morrison, Marissa Golliday, Tamar Fennell and Theresa Petruziello make up the young core of the defense. The mix of future Hall of Famers with talented young players should produce another great Bliss defense.

I have had the pleasure of covering the Bliss through their 3 championships. Some may call me biased, but as a features writer, I don't have to hide my allegiance. Still, that doesn't prevent me from presenting a fair assessment.

I honestly have never seen a coach (or his staff) more prepared at all times. Coach Hac always seems to be several moves ahead of the rest of the league. Of course, many factors play into winning a league title, but Coach Hac has 3 rings to show for his efforts.

The Bliss have had many great players over the years and three remain. It is not a stretch to say that Collins, Alberts and Taylor will eventually be LFL Hall of Famers. Do great players make a great coach or does great coaching produce great players? In this case, I'd say it is an even mix.

Coach Hac always sets a high bar, having practices almost all year. Players like Collins, Alberts and Taylor respond by working nonstop to improve. Ihave attended many Bliss practices over the years and I have seen firsthand how muc effort these athletes give.

The goal foe the Bliss is always the title. For the fans, title or not, you will see exciting football. Don't let the revealing uniforms prevent you from seeing the high level of play. These ladies are as tough and skilled as any athletes I have seen. In addition to all of that, the players league-wide are very fan-friendly.

A few seasons ago, I predicted a prefect 4-0 season and the title and the Bliss delivered. I admit I am not as familiar with the new team as I was then, but I feel comfortable predicting a title for the Bliss. If pressed to be more specific, I think I'd have to predict 3-1 (figuring a backstep somewhere in the schedule).

One prediction I can say with certainty is the team will be well-prepared and the fans will have a great time. I first went to a Bliss game to do something different and I have been hooked ever since. I hope to see you all on April 14.

Checkout LFLUS.com for all of the info on the Bliss and the league. You can also follow my coverage here and on Johngy's Beat. Go Bliss! (I already admitted I was biased!)