Recap vs. Cape Fear Thunder – June 30, 2007

Recap vs. Cape Fear Thunder – June 30, 2007

Fearless Divas Finish Fourth Straight Undefeated Regular Season
DC 38, Cape Fear 3
By Rich Daniel

Fayetteville, NC – Nothing could stop the D.C. Divas’ quest for perfection – again. In the final game of the regular season, the Divas defeated the Cape Fear Thunder, 38-3, to culminate a flawless eight-game schedule. The undefeated season is the first for the Divas as a member of the Independent Women’s Football League. All told, the Divas have finished four consecutive regular seasons without a loss.

“This accomplishment would not be possible without the complete commitment of everyone in the organization,” said General Manager Rich Daniel. “It speaks to our veteran leadership, our togetherness, and our resolve. I am very proud.”

As with most games featuring the Divas (8-0), the competitive portion of the proceedings did not last very long. The visitors sprinted to a 30-0 halftime advantage, courtesy of two touchdown runs by workhorse back Rachelle Pecovsky and a touchdown pass by both DC quarterbacks, starter Allyson Hamlin and reserve Raynette Savoy. The first was a nifty 20-yard strike from Hamlin to Tara Kallal; the second was a dazzling 63-yard touchdown pass by Savoy to offensive MVP Tara Stephenson.

The tenacious DC defense did not allow an opposing touchdown for the sixth time this season. The Thunder (1-7) were held to under 100 total yards for the game. The Divas’ defense was led by their formidable front four – Tessa Nelson, Trigger McNair, Stacey Michael, and defensive MVP Sharina Western amassed eighteen combined tackles. Western also contributed a crushing special teams block to help spring a long punt return.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of the game came long after the outcome had been decided. Two years and two weeks after her last trip to the end zone, running back Monica Livingston bounced off tackle for a 30-yard, fourth quarter touchdown scamper. The score culminated an arduous road back from injury that had sidelined Livingston for most of the year.

“We did what we set out to do, but the regular season is history,” cautioned Coach Ezra Cooper afterward. “Our ultimate goal is to win another championship.”

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 IWFL playoffs begin on July 14. The Divas will play the conference semifinals on the road against the undefeated Atlanta Xplosion.