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Burn Tops Passion, 21-15

May 29, 2003 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Baltimore Burn News Release


The Baltimore Burn hosted a must win game against the Pittsburgh Passion this past weekend.

Winning the coin toss, the Passion elected to receive. As the whistle blew, Julie Ciccarelli sheared a 36 yard kick to start the game. Opting to begin with the run, the Passion was held to 3 yards in 3 downs but a 15 yard face mask penalty on the Burn, gave them a first down and kept the drive alive. The Passion's offense slowly continued to move the ball down field into the Burn's red zone. On a bobbled hand off, Burn defensive back, Dameka Reese recovered a fumble to stop the Passions assault. The Burn offense then got its chance to rack up some yards. However, the offense was unable to get into rhythm and after a couple of penalties, the Burn was forced to punt. The ensuing punt was blocked and the Passion offense regained the ball deep inside Burn territory. The Passion attempted a deep pass to the outside but Burn defensive back, Corrine Carson, intercepted the ball and ending the first quarter 0 - 0. Starting the second quarter, the Burn offense found them selves punting the ball after a three and out. Would the Passion be able to move the ball? Nine plays, 63 yards and another critical penalty by the Burn defense, set up the first score of the game with the Passion up 7 - 0. The kickoff following the score saw Raynette Savoy to return the ball 23 yards to give the Burn offense the ball in Passion territory. With just under three minutes left in the half, the Burn offense needed to make something happen. A couple of pinpoint passes and some strong runs put the Burn on the Passions' 5-yard line with 28 seconds remaining. Baltimore's wingback, Susan Davis, blasted into the end zone to tie the game and ending the half with a score of 7 - 7. As the second half began, the Burn was ready to get the ball moving again. A short kick and a good return from Raynette Savoy, started the Burn on the Passions' 41-yard line. Baltimore's first drive of the second half saw quarterback, Tara Watanathai, hit wide receiver, Molly Avery, for a big gain. In addition to a late hit penalty by the Passion defense, the Burn offense was driving with a first down on the Passions' 16-yard line. Continuing with the aerial assault, Watanathai's hit receiver Molly Avery again, this time for a touchdown to give Baltimore a 14 - 7 lead in the third quarter. The Passion offense began their first drive second half, but quickly gave it back to Baltimore with their first three and out series of the contest. With the third quarter ending, the Burn offense found themselves facing another fourth down, punting and giving the ball back to the Passion. Could the Burn defense continue to hold the Passion offense for one more quarter? Yes, according to linebacker Earline Ward, who single-handedly stumped the Passions offense by sacking the quarterback for a loss of 10 yards and halting a rush for a loss of 4 yards. The Passion was forced to punt again, allowing the Burn offense to take the field. Going with a ball control offense, the Burn went 9 plays and 45 yards to set up on the Passions' 27-yard line. A quick pitch and a gallant run by halfback, Nina Mouzone, gave the Burn another touchdown, making the score 21 - 7. As time wound down, the Passion offense knew they needed to make something happen to stay in the game. With just under 3 minutes left, the Passion began its ground attack. After six plays the Passion was sitting in the Burn red zone. Facing a third down and five yards to go with less then a minute left, the crowd went quiet. On a quick snap, the Burn defense held the Passion short of the first down. But yet another face mask penalty was called on the Burn, extending the Passion's drive. The Passion was now sitting first and ten from the Burn 15-yard line. Three short runs later, the Passion offense found their way into the end zone, bringing the score to 21 -15. With thirty-nine seconds left, each team set up for the expected onside kick. The Pittsburgh kicker kicked the ball strongly, however, it bounced out of bounds, allowing the Burn to retain possession. Tara Watanathai took a knee three times to end the game in a victory for the Burn over the Passion, 21 - 15.

The Burn offense rallied for 190 yards, with 85 yards rushing and 105 yards passing. Tara Watanathai blazed for 9 of 16 completions and two touchdowns. While the defense held the Passion to a total of 116 yards, 19 of those passing yards with 1 sack and 2 turnovers.

The Burn (4-2) will travel to face the Erie Illusion (0-6), on Saturday, June 7th, in a must win battle to stay in the playoff race. For more information about tickets and schedule, check out www.baltimoreburn.com.



National Women's Football Association Stories from May 29, 2003


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