Despite key losses, Toreros appear primed for another playoff berth

Quick Hits

Location: San Diego, CA
Home Site: Walter J. Zable Field at Torero Stadium

Team Colors: Torero Blue (Columbia), Navy & White

Division: I (FCS)

Conference: Pioneer Football League

Championships: 6 (PFL)

Head Coach: Dale Lindsey (3rd Season, 17-6)

Official Website: www.usdtoreros.com

2014 Recap: 9-3 (7-1 PFL Champions)

En route to their first-ever berth in the FCS Playoffs, the "Kardiac Toreros" scratched and clawed their way to the PFL title with five come-from-behind victories, including two that were decided by last-second touchdown passes.

The historic postseason run was short lived after a 52-14 loss at Montana in the first round.

"We ran into a buzzsaw," said USD head coach Dale Lindsey. "I think we were over-matched and out-manned that day, but [the FCS Playoffs] was a great experience and it's one we would like to experience again."

Where does Philip Rivers rank among the NFL's top QBs?

There was a lot of talk about Philip Rivers during the offseason. Many people thought that his days were numbered in San Diego, but he's going to start 2015 as the signal caller once again for the franchise. He has a pretty steady arm, but he never really gets the respect he deserves. As we get ready for the upcoming season, where does he rank among the NFL’s elite?

In order to get in that upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL, a guy basically has to win a Super Bowl. That means Philip Rivers is always going to be on the outside looking in unless he can get some hardware. Players such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger have all hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. They are all on contending teams as well, so there is a chance that they add to their total this season.

Surge set to defend conference title at Dallas

For the third time in team history, a Dallas team will be the final obstacle standing between the San Diego Surge and a trip to the WFA National Championship. Only this time they'll be taking on a highly talented first-year franchise instead of the Diamonds, who folded after its 2013 national championship appearance.

"It's going to be a tough one," Surge head coach Mike Suggett said. "They're going to be a big physical team like Central Cal, and they have the speed and athleticism we saw from Seattle."

The Surge are 3-0 in conference championships, however, this will be the first time they play the game outside of San Diego County. Last season they defeated the Kansas City Titans 59-14 in front of a sold out crowd at Santee Community Stadium.

Surge advances to second straight conference title game

The San Diego Surge enters Santee Community Stadium before their Conference Semifinal contest against Seattle.

SANTEE (07/11/2015) Alexis Snyder rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns to help power the San Diego Surge (9-1) to a 57-27 triumph over the previously undefeated Seattle Majestics (9-1) Saturday night.

The win clinches their second straight berth in the American Conference Championship where they will take on the Dallas Elite, who will host the contest following a 70-14 rout over the Kansas City Titans.

The Majestics set the tone during the opening kickoff by surprising the Surge with an onside kick. Seattle recovered and followed up with a 7-yard pass by Rachel Woods to Tessla Rennie that was fumbled and recovered in the end zone by Julia McComas.

Replay: San Diego Surge vs. Seattle Majestics

Surge championship journey continues with a visit from undefeated Seattle

Surge head coach Mike Suggett addresses his team during Monday's practice session.

WFA American Conference Semifinals

San Diego Surge (8-1) vs. Seattle Majestics (9-0)

Santana High School (Santee, CA)

Saturday, July 11th, 2015 @ 6:00 p.m. PST

Series History

First Meeting: July 5, 2014 - Surge 36, Seattle 20 (Playoffs)
Surge leads the all-time series 1-0

Breakdown

With revenge on their minds after a heart-breaking loss in the regular season finale, the Surge survived a hostile first round playoff battle against a confident Central Cal team who was looking to legitimize their upset win.

They now draw Seattle in the conference semifinals for the second straight season. The Northwest division champions will be seeking some revenge of their own after their 2014 season ended with the visiting Surge overcoming a 20-16 halftime deficit with 20 unanswered points.

The Majestics haven't been defeated since.

"They do the right thing," Surge head coach Mike Suggett said. "They won't beat themselves, they're well coached, they play their positions, and know their responsibilities."

The winner of this game will face the Dallas Elite or Kansas City Titans in the American Conference Championship.

Six North County Stars named IWFL All-Stars

The Independent Women's Football League released their 2015 All-Star teams and six members of the North County Stars made the cut.

These players will represent the Western Conference in the IWFL All-Star Game that takes place on Saturday, July 25th in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 7:00 a.m. Pacific.

The Stars completed their sophomore campaign with a 2-5 record, and winners of the last two games of the season.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates Suspended

SAN DIEGO (07/02/2015) San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 regular season without pay. NFL officials say he violated the league's performance enhancing substances policy.

In released statement, Gates said he never knowingly ingested a banned substance, but he did take supplements to recover from last season and takes full responsibility for his actions.

"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all the it entails", Gates said. "I'd like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me."

Gates is still eligible to participate in off-season activities as well as preseason games. He is scheduled to return on October 12th during the Chargers' Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"We are tremendously disappointed for our team and our fans as well as Antonio, but no more disappointed than Antonio is with himself", said the Chargers in a released statement. "We have the upmost confidence he will stay in excellent shape for the season and be ready to go when he returns in Week 5."