Recap vs. Boston Rampage – June 9, 2007

Recap vs. Boston Rampage – June 9, 2007

Divas Romp Over Boston With 70-0 Victory
DC 70, Boston 0
By Rich Daniel

Landover, MD – It had all the makings of a classic “trap game”: a visiting underdog sandwiched between the two most difficult opponents on the schedule. But the 2007 D.C. Divas are simply too poised and too talented to fall prey to such distraction. The over-matched Boston Rampage never had a chance, as a dominant 70-0 victory continued the Divas’ undefeated season. The win further tightened their first-place grip on the Mid-Atlantic Division of the IWFL’s Eastern Conference.

“It’s always a danger to look past any team, so I’m very pleased with our focus,” Coach Ezra Cooper remarked following the win. “Now we have to stay on point and on message for the final push towards the playoffs.”

The game belonged to a pair of understudies, suddenly put front and center. With starting quarterback Allyson Hamlin and star linebacker Ivy Tillman watching from the sidelines, backup quarterback Raynette Savoy led the way with a breakout performance, earning the offensive MVP of the game.  Savoy led the Divas (5-0) to over 500 yards of total offense in the victory.

“I honestly had no idea I was starting, so I was shocked,” admitted Savoy, who fired three touchdown passes. “You have to be ready when you get your chance. Allyson [Hamlin] is such a good player and such a good teacher that I wanted to do her justice out there. It felt really good to contribute.”

On defense, another player sprung up off of the bench to lead the Divas against the Rampage (1-4).  Linebacker Amy Juang, who has been a backup player for most of this season, earned a start for this game as well. Juang responded with an inspired effort and was all over the field, setting a franchise record with four fumble recoveries. “In warmups, Coach came to me and said I was playing the whole game,” the veteran reserve said afterward with a smile. “It was fun, but I have to give all the credit to my teammates. They really made me look good.” Juang earned the team’s defensive MVP award.

All told, the D.C. defense forced seven Boston turnovers, allowed zero total yards rushing, and did not allow a point for the third time this season.

The Divas are attempting to accomplish an unparalleled feat in 2007: back-to-back championships in two completely different leagues. A three-game home stand concludes June 16, 2007, with a tough rematch against the formidable New York Sharks.