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Burn Take 7-0 Victory in Opener

April 16, 2003 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Baltimore Burn News Release


The Baltimore Burn took to the field for their first regular season game on Saturday night and squeaked out a 7-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Passion.

In their NFWA debut, the Passion's defense showed no fear of playing the Mid-Atlantic Division Champs as they shut down the Burn offense on their opening drive with only a 3-yard gain. But the Burn defense returned the favor with an 8-yd loss and a forced fumble, giving the ball back to the Burn offense. Trying to gain momentum, the Burn offense rallied for a quick 11 yards before a bad snap cost them a turnover. The period quickly ended with a score of 0 - 0. Beginning the second quarter, the Passions offense pushed the Burn defense 22 yards before a couple of penalties and a sack in the back field forced them to punt. Taking the field on their own 37-yd line, the Burn offense charged 55 yards to set up the only score of the game. With a quick snap and an accurate pass to #80, Regina Nolan, the Burn got its first touchdown of the season. The half ended with the Burn up 7 - 0. With a 38-yd kick, the Passion offense would begin the second half. Conjuring up 31 yards followed by more penalties, the Passion gave the ball back to the Burn. With both defenses playing strong and neither offense able put together a sustained drive, the clock seemed to just tick away. With about 3 minutes left on the clock, the Passion would get their final shot at scoring. Despite a gallant effort, 13 plays later, the Passion turned the ball over on downs. With the Passion having two time-outs left and very little time left on the clock, the Burn had to hold onto the ball. Holding the Burn to a third down and 2 yards to go, the Passion defense knew they could not afford to give up a first down. As the crowd got quiet and both lines setting up, the ball was snapped. With a quick handoff to #34, Nikki White, and a tough 6-yd gain, secured the first down and the victory for the Burn. With only a minute left and two kneel downs to run out the clock, the Burn stunned the Passion with a 7 - 0 loss.

Showing great spirit, the Passion put up 105 rushing and 45 passing against the Burn defense. While the Burn offense mustered up 15 yards passing and 175 yards rushing with #30, Julie Ciccarelli, leading the team with 70 of those yards.

The Burn (1-0) will travel again to meet their long time rivals, the D.C. Divas (1-0) this Saturday, at 7:00 PM at Eastern High School.



National Women's Football Association Stories from April 16, 2003


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