Recap vs. Columbus Comets – July 22, 2006

Recap vs. Columbus Comets – July 22, 2006

Third Time’s The Charm: Divas Advance to First National Title Game
DC 32, Columbus 7
By Rich Daniel

Recap • Statistics

Landover, MD – Neither rain, nor wind, nor gloom of night could stop the D.C. Divas’ continuing quest to be National Women’s Football Association champions. Despite a powerful summer storm, a surprising power outage, a lengthy game delay, and inspired opposition, the Divas earned their first ever Northern Conference Championship with a 32-7 win over the visiting Columbus Comets. The victory propels the Divas into the NWFA national championship game in Pittsburgh on August 5, 2006.

“This is a great accomplishment,” said head Coach Ezra Cooper afterward. “But we’re not done yet.”

The Comets (7-4) got on the board in the first quarter with a Shelly Gates rushing touchdown. But the Divas (10-0) quickly settled into the game and once again featured a dominant defense that forced five Columbus turnovers. Down 7-6 in the first quarter, defensive back Kathryn Hemlock scooped up a Comets fumble and raced 50 yards for the go-ahead score. D.C. never trailed again. Linebacker Trigger McNair grabbed a pair of interceptions en route to defensive most valuable player honors.

The Divas’ offense controlled the ball and the clock with a physical, smash-mouth running game that simply could not be stopped. Running back Rachelle Pecovsky compiled 98 tough yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. All told, the D.C. running game amassed 237 yards on the ground.

General Manager Rich Daniel praised the team’s toughness. “I’m just so proud of this amazing group of coaches and players. They were determined not to let this one get away.”

The Divas will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 5 to play the Oklahoma City Lightning for the 2006 NWFA national championship.