Chicago Enforcers 23 New York / New Jersey Hitmen 18

New York / New Jersey jumped to an 8-0 first-quarter lead when Kevin McDougal was called for a safety for grounding in the end zone and Joe Aska scored on a 15-yard run.

McDougal cut the lead to 8-6 with a 9-yard TD pass to Luke Leverson. Chicago took a 9-8 lead on an 18-yard field goal by Andy Crosland.

Leo Araguz gave the Hitmen an 11-9 lead with a 28-yard field goal with 58 seconds left in the first half, but McDougal drove the Enforcers 75 yards in seven plays, with McDougal and Leverson combining on a 16-yard TD with six seconds left in the half.

Chicago did its best to give the game away, turning the ball over three times in the second half, highlighted by Joey Eloms 76-yard interception return that gave the Hitmen an 18-16 lead early in the third quarter.

Needing a victory to avoid elimination, it did not look good for the Enforcers before receiving a big play from their defense.

In position to run out the clock, the Hitmen pi