The National Football League is a copycat league, and the latest trend is to have two good running backs that can wear down opposing defenses.

The West Michigan Mayhem aren't an NFL franchise, but in Angela Edwards and Catherine Converse, they've got as good a running back combo as you'll find in the National Women's Football Association.

Before a recent practice, the two talked in Edwards' SUV as swirling winds and heavy snowfall gave the Mayhem's practice field the appearance of one of those souvenir snow globes available in any airport gift shop. However, it could be the West Michigan opposition that ultimately will be left out in the cold.

Edwards, who from 2003 to 2005 averaged an eye-popping 9.5 yards every time she touched the ball, is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January 2006. It forced her to miss the entire season, and in her absence, Converse excelled. After running the ball one time for one yard in 2005, Converse rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2006.

``I think it will be a lot of fun with both of us (in the backfield this year),'' said Converse. ``(Opposing teams) won't know who to key on. ... They'll have to play a little more at home, too. They'll have to cover their person and not key right on us.''

Edwards agreed.

``We're definitely going to help each other out. For us to be able to trick them this year, I guess, instead of knowing who is going to get the ball all the time. We'll work off of each other.''

That's the plan for Mayhem coach John Paul Jones, who promises a wide-open offense featuring his two star backs. That explosiveness wasn't on display in the Mayhem's season opening 6-0 victory last weekend at Fort Wayne because of the three inches of snow on the ground during the game. The weather was so bad that West Michigan center Linny Beedle was named offensive player of the game for her flawless snaps to quarterback Jan Johnson.

Jones, who stepped up to head coach this year after serving as the Mayhem's defensive coordinator last season, said that while the team was happy to get out with a win and no injuries, the weather was ``the great equalizer,'' negating his team's speed.

Talking about Edwards and Converse, Jones said: ``They're two different running styles. Eddy is more elusive. She's a scatback. She likes to get in the open field and make moves on people. Cat, we've had to work with her a little bit, because she likes to go at the defender and run her over instead of trying to outrun them. She's getting better at that.

``With her size and strength as a lead back, especially blocking for Eddy, it's just the ultimate situation.''

Edwards commutes to games and practices from her home in Farmington, on the east side of the state. It's a sacrifice, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

``Pretty much all my friends are here, and this is where I started,'' Edwards said. ``Last year was supposed to be my last year playing, but things didn't work out that way.''

Not being able to play hurt more than any open-field tackle.

``(Sitting out the season) was the hardest thing I've ever done,'' she said. ``In fact, it was probably harder than getting my heart broken. That's how much I love sports.''

Of course, both of them know there is only one ball and so many opportunities to go around. When asked if the two were feeling competitive against each other, both burst into laughter.

``Competitive? Of course, of course,'' Edwards said. ``We make comments to each other, but it would be nothing that we would get mad over. It's all in good fun.''

Said Converse: ``Once in a while, we'll be in the gym. I'll say, `I want the ball!' and then she'll say, `No, I want the ball!''

Both got their chances against Fort Wayne. Converse rushed 12 times for 45 yards, and Edwards carried 18 times for 63. Her 63rd career touchdown, scored on the Mayhem's opening drive of the second half, was a five-yard dive that resulted in the only points of the game.

``Oh yeah, it feels so good to be back,'' Edwards said. ``It was a memorable score because a former teammate (Tara Marble) was the one who tackled me, but I managed to reach the ball (into the end zone).''

Jones will continue to run the Mayhem defense and will turn the offensive reins over to John Soisson, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

``It's very easy to coach that kind of talent,'' Soisson said. ``They work very hard and I expect a lot from them. We're going to run a two-back offense. We're going to have both of them in there most of the time. They both can go inside and outside and have speed and strength.''

It all adds up to a much-anticipated season for the Mayhem coaches and players.

``Obviously, your hope is always to get back to the playoffs,'' Converse said. ``Especially coming off a (NWFA Northern Conference North Division) championship (last season). We have nothing but high hopes and high expectations.''