From the Coach... 06/18/06

D.C. Divas v. Connecticut Crush, 06/17/06

8-0!!!! It is truly unbelievable to go undefeated. It is a feat that is not accomplished by most, and rarely ever accomplished by even fewer. The organization, coaching staff, and players extend there THANKS to the Diva Faithful! There is no way we would have been able to accomplish this feat for the third year in a row without your support.

The Connecticut Crush came in playing for their playoff-lives; unfortunately for them the D.C. Diva players were ready. I certainly found FIRE inside of each player during our pre-game. I think their inspired play really showed what Diva Football is all about.

April Meyers #20 for the crush is always up for a challenge, and gave another outstanding performance. The defense had to really work hard to contain her. The vastly improved play from our defensive line made HUGE contributions the entire contest. #58 Trigger McNair earned her MVP honors doing a lot of work down in the trenches. On offense the balanced attack is starting to come into focus. Allyson Hamlin had an excellent night with 7 completions on 9 attempts and 2 touch downs for 117 yards. Rachelle Pecovsky’s night was short lived as she reached 92 yards rushing by the first series of the second half. This gives her 1,087 rushing yards on the regular season. These are the most regular season rushing yards by any DC Diva running back, ever, in an 8 game time frame. The lead blocking of Full Back #42 Claudia Hogan made the difference as the Crush tried to pack the box and slow down the Diva rushing attack. Hogan continually and without question does the dirty work week in and week out, her performance this week earned MVP honors.

Looking forward to the playoffs is always a wonderful feeling. Being the #1 Seed in the northern division makes life even easier. After playing a back to back 5 game schedule we are bruised, battered, and fatigued. We are looking forward to taking some time off and letting our bodies heal. The team has film on Monday we are going to practice next on Saturday morning as we prepare for our first game against a team from the Southern Conference.

New league rules call for inter-conference play during the second round of the playoffs. It has long been a question to which Conference is stronger – the North or the South. I guess we will finally get a taste for ourselves on July 8th. There are some GREAT ball clubs down there that would love a piece of the Divas. The Austin Outlaws, The Dallas Rage, The Alabama Renegades, and The Kentucky Karma are all potential opponents for our home game on the 8th of July. We will have to wait and see just who it’s going to be. One thing is for certain, both teams will be that much closer to going to the Burgh (Pittsburgh, PA – 2006 Championship site), both will be hungry, and both will have something to prove. Attendance and work ethic over the next 2 weeks will tell the tale the Divas. Have a happy Fourth and see you all on the 8th of July.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach