Recap vs. Cape Fear Thunder – May 19, 2007

Recap vs. Cape Fear Thunder – May 19, 2007

D.C. Divas Leave North Carolina With Franchise Record Victory, 77-0
DC 77, Cape Fear 0
By Rich Daniel

Fayetteville, NC – In a matchup of division rivals, the D.C. Divas opened the proverbial floodgates on the Cape Fear Thunder. The visitors from DC scored a team-record 53 first-half points en route to a dominant 77-0 victory. The undefeated Divas (3-0) are now in sole possession of first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the IWFL’s Eastern Conference.

The scoring came at a fast, furious, and frenetic pace. Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin was cool and efficient: all four of her completions went for touchdowns. Tara Kallal grabbed a pair of the scoring passes, with fellow wide receiver Nikki Williams contributing a touchdown.

The Thunder (1-2) also had no defense for the Divas’ rushing attack, which was equally as effective. Running back Rachelle Pecovsky opened the scoring with a nine-yard touchdown run and then added a 55-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. On her 27th birthday, Natalie Randolph added a career-best 115 yards on the ground, including an electrifying 80-yard end-around for a score.

“We did what we had to do,” said head coach Ezra Cooper afterward. “Now we have to put all our focus on Detroit.”

Cooper was referring to the imminent showdown with the undefeated Detroit Demolition, a league superpower and long-time Divas nemesis. The rivalry between the two teams dates back to 2004, when each franchise was a member of the NWFA. The Demolition defeated the Divas in the Northern Conference championship game in 2004 and 2005 on their way to two of their four NWFA national championships.

To contain the explosive Demolition, the Divas defense will need to continue its stalwart play. Against the Thunder, the Divas’ “D” recorded another shutout, while also contributing a safety. The special teams unit also added to the scoring, thanks to a touchdown return following a blocked punt.

The Divas are attempting to accomplish an unparalleled feat in 2007: back-to-back championships in two completely different leagues. Following a bye week, the quest continues at home on June 2, 2007, in the eagerly anticipated grudge match against Detroit. Tickets are available online.