From the Coach... 05/07/06

D.C. Divas v. Harrisburg Angels, 05/06/06

What a glorious night for football! The weather was perfect. It has been a long while since we enjoyed such nice weather at home. It warmed my heart to see the DC Diva faithful out in force. I know your presence was felt and appreciated by the team. All in all the game went like we expected. The complete and utter domination of their offense was a surprise. You never expect to hold someone to -67 yards total offense – ever.

Our Defense is playing at a high level right now and I expect them to continue to get better each week. Stacey Michaels had an outstanding game for the second week in a row earning her MVP honors. Vickie Lucas harassed the line of scrimmage all night and helped create 9 turnovers by the Angels.

The Offense had a break-out night. With the passing game going for over 100 yards and the running game around 230 yards, the offensive staff couldn’t ask for much more. Rachelle Pecovsky turned in another outstanding performance going for over 100 yards and 5 touchdowns. Earning her MVP honors for the second week in a row. With the game well in hand, it afforded us some leeway on offense and we toyed with a wishbone backfield consisting of some of our offensive line. The team has appropriately nicknamed the formation “Metro.” They did look rather impressive and of course were ecstatic when they finally scored.

The Angels have a long road ahead of them. And although they lost to us, they should be encouraged. They have a strong core of players that are willing to fight to the very end. Add some experience and they will have a good football team as they continue to improve.

Looking forward to the Connecticut Crush game, we have had them circled from the beginning of the year. It is so hard to play on the road in our league. The long bus ride, the fast food, the unpredictable schedule—it all makes it hard to stay focused and play determined football. The coaching staff really has their work cut out for them over the next two weeks. Not only will we have to keep the Divas poised and determined but we are going to have to prepare them to face anything and everything on the football field. I can guarantee you that the Crush remember losing to us in the first round of the playoffs 76-0 in 2003. April Meyers (RB #20) may feel a real sense of urgency. She was there and remembers her ride home all too well. She is an outstanding talent and, if memory serves, has gained over 500 yards in ONE game. She is a force and we are going to focus our attention on her. If we contain April Meyers we can contain their offense.

This isn't a new team that hasn't played us. I know they will be ready. It is my job over the next two weeks to work the Divas so hard they do not forget what they are playing for. The season is long. The playoffs are even longer. We are just getting started.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach