The Albany Ambush will host the Capital Bowl Classic against the Empire State Roar in the opening game of the WPFL season for both teams. The Women’s Professional Football League knows how to start things off on the right foot. Most leagues wait for the end of the season to have meaningful games. Not the WPFL. Right away, these two teams will fight for local supremacy.

On the Ambush side of the field, Lee Suggs has been added to the coaching staff to solidify an already capable group. When in possession of the ball, the Ambush will have a well-balanced attack led by quarterbacks Danielle Wroblewski and Mellisa Cox.

Albany's front seven will be the key to the game and the 4-3 defense they employ will need to be on top of their game. A strong linebacking core led by OLB Diane Wilkinson, MLB Christina Harris, and OLB Lisa Williams are a formidable group. On the defensive line, the front four has All Pro DL Cynthia Suggs, veteran DL Linda Tymeson, veteran DE’s Nicole Cotugno and Kim Cooper and rookie DE Margaret Weatherly. A good mix of experienced and younger players.

The Ambush have added two promising rookies to the secondary. DB Erin Hodge will be there to defend on deep passing routes and provide blanket coverage. The last line of defense on the field will be improved with the addition of Hodge, and speed and power are paramount in her game. FS Mary Coyle has similar skills and is quick to the ball. These two rookies will be joining an already capable group, led by All-Pro Melissa Cruz and veteran Tanya DeLaMater.

For the Ambush to pull off a victory, they will have to contain the Roar's running game and put pressure on quarterback Jenna Harrington, number 16. Standing 5'11" and 195 pounds, Harrington is an imposing figure on the field. The Roar have added to the rushing attack by signing rookies Michelle Felton and Danielle Russell.

Empire State is coming into the season looking to start off fast and bring the Capital State Bowl trophy back to Rochester with them. Two-way player Nikia Speed, number 33, plays Linebacker and Running Back. Her nickname is the same as her surname. When you have a name such as "Speed" and it is one of your strong traits, why change anything? The 5'4" 150 pound Speed had a strong season and was voted to the 2005 WPFL Offensive All Pro Team. She has four years experience in playing football and brings a lot to the table.

The two teams are evenly matched at quarterback and wide receiver. The Ambush have a stronger running game and look to use that to keep the time of possession in their favor. Both teams have added a good group of rookies to their roster, but Albany has a stronger class going into the season. Ambush team owner Benjamin Tisdale has stated that his club is focused and the team motto is "anything less than a championship is unacceptable."

The Capital Bowl Classic will be a game that football fans will not want to miss. Come out to Frank Bailey Field at Union College in Schenectady, New York on Saturday July 29th at 7:05 p.m. On hand will also be the team mascot, Bushy. Cheer on your home town team that has many local heroes on their roster, which includes Teachers, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMTs, Athletic Directors, Coaches, Administrators, Nurses, Truck Drivers, Project Managers and (the most important position of all), Moms! Most of these women have played full contact football on the average of four years and do this for the love of the game.

The Ambush are looking for a few good women to fill roster spots for the season. Anyone interested must be at least 18 years of age and can visit the official team web site, www.albanyambush.com , and fill out a Player's Interest form. Recruiting will continue until July 5th.

More information on the WPFL can be found at the official league web site, www.womensprofootball.com .