Pittsburgh Passion Game 7

Saturday June 6, 2009
Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh Passion v. Philadelphia Firebirds
Final score: 53-0

Moving in retrograde, the Pittsburgh Passion traveled left to right to take on the Philadelphia Firebirds in the City of Brotherly Love. I like Philadelphia, the city. How could I not? It houses the best museum in the world!
The Passion are closing out their regular season schedule on the road, and first up was a stop just this side of Camden, New Jersey.
The Passion won the coin toss and elected to receive. Jenine Suprano fielded the ball and then handed it off to a racing Shawna Rouse who ran it back 85 yards for a touchdown. Only problem was there was a holding call on the run back, so the Passion were backed up to their own 41 yard line. Under Horton the offense moved progressively down the field, culminating in a 15 yard TD dash by Amanda Haeg. Regular kicker Lauren Bracco didn't make the trip, so back up kicker Autumn Dillaman was pressed into duty, missing the PAT. Passion led 6-0.
On the Passions next possession they took over on their own 16 yard line. Horton threw a razor sharp dart to Jenine Suprano who then romped the remaining field for an 84 yard touchdown pass play! Dillaman's PAT good this time, Passion up 13-0.
The Firebirds drove the ball down the field on their next ups, ultimately stalling out at the Passion 28 when the defense turned stingy. Passion took over on downs. Horton orchestrated another drive toward the opposing endzone, resulting in a 12 yard TD pass to tight end Autumn Dillaman, who then missed the PAT. Passion 19-0.
After defensive back Sharon Vasquez picked off the Firebirds QB, the Passion took over on the Philadelphia 24. Janice Masters replaced regular QB starter Lisa Horton and promptly set about the task of engineering her own scoring drive. Three running plays and two incomplete passes late, Masters hooked up with Jen Moody for an 8 yard touchdown toss. Kick good, Passion ahead 26-0.
Once more the Passion defense holds, and after a punt and hefty run back, the Passion set up shop on the Firebirds' 29 yard line. Three running plays later Masters throws a 13 yard TD strike to Kate Sullivan. PAT good, Passion 33-0.
End of First Half
To open the 3rd Quarter the Firebirds mishandled the kick off and ended up on their own 8 yard line. Then, retaining possession of a fumble and a loss of seven yards, they were backed up on their own goal line when they were forced to punt. A short punt followed, fielded by upman blocker and defensive stand out linebacker, Trumane Rogers, who ran the punt back unmolested for an 18 yard touchdown!
Missed point after, Passion 39-0.
Later TDs were also tallied by fullback Lori Burkholder and fellow running back Emily Marek for a game ending score of 53-0. Another impressive outing for the Passion! Great defensive night for Rogers and Vasquez, with Beth Amato once again proving steady.
The Passion have improved their regular season record to 6-1, trailing only the DC Divas (7-0) in the IWFL Mid-Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. We're in a sweet position to win a wildcard play-off berth and we can seal the deal next week with a win at New York against the always tough Sharks.
You can listen to Pittsburgh Passion games, either home or away here.
The Divas are intimidating, and handed us our solitary loss this year, but I'd like the chance to avenge that loss in the post season!