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Fight fire with fire

April 28, 2003 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Baltimore Burn News Release


Ever heard of the saying, "Fight fire with fire"? Well Saturday night was nothing short of that, as the Baltimore Burn hosted their first home game against the Columbus Flames in a grueling 13 - 7 victory.

Coming in with shear confidence in their ability to win, the Flames received the ball to start the game. After an 11-yd gain on their first play, the Burn defense held the Flames to only 1 additional yard and forced the punt. Now the Burn had their opportunity to show what they were made of. Eight plays and 36 yards later, the Flames returned the favor and forced the Burn offense to punt. With a forced fumble, incomplete pass, and a quarterback sack by #42, Earline Ward, for a loss of 11 yards, the Flames gave the ball back to the Burn with great field position. Unable to capitalize on their field position and the quarter quickly ending with a score of 0-0, it became apparent that both defenses were playing flawless and was not going to give up any yardage. Then midway into the second quarter and starting on their own 47-yard line, the Burn offense methodically began moving the ball. Seven plays and 50 yards later, the Burn was first and goal from the 3-yard line. With a quick pitch to #3, Nina Mouzone, the Burn scored the first points of the game. Trying to counter the Burn's momentum, the Flames were still unable to produce a sustainable drive and were forced to punt again. Starting at their own 37-yard line, the Burn was also unable to move the football and punted. However, a short 21-yd punt and the determination and focus of #68, Marie Johnson, gave the Burn the ball back on a fumble recovery. Again the Burn offense showed their strength, moving the ball 28-yards in three plays before fumbling it and ending the half at 7-0. The Burn kicked the ball to the Flames to start the second half. The game continued to be a defensive see-saw match, holding each other to short gains and minimal yardage. Late into the third quarter, the Burn defense with critical penalties allowed the Flames to move the ball down field. Ten plays and 64 yards, the Flames were now sitting on the Burn 3-yard line and ended the quarter 7-0. On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Flames tried a quick screen pass, only to be intercepted by Burn's defensive back #40, Mozette Timmons, giving the ball back to the Burn deep in their own territory. Trying to get out of the shadow of their own end zone using a quick hand off, the Burn fumbled the ball for the second time allowing the Flames to start first and goal from the Burn 2-yard line. Two plays later, the Flames tied up the score, 7-7. Late in the fourth quarter with less then two minutes left, the Burn began its assault down field. With a couple of long yardage passes, the Burn entered the Flames red zone. Setting up for what was to be the scoring drive, the Flames knew they had one chance to save the game. On a quick snap and a heavy blitz, Quarterback #16, Tara Watanathai, threw an off balance pass under pressure allowing the Flames to intercept the ball on their own 8-yd line. With 13 seconds left, the Flames had one final chance. On a long pass, Burn defensive back #19, Renita Young, intercepted the ball and ran it back 32 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The hard fought battle ended with the Burn extinguishing the Flames 13-7.

The Burn offense collected 256 total offensive yards, 126 on the rush and 130 yards passing. The Burn defense held the Flames to 119 yards on the rush and 0 yards on the pass with two interceptions and two quarterback sacks.

The Baltimore Burn (2-1) will be host the newest contenders to the Mid-Atlantic Division, the Erie Illusion (0-2) on Saturday May 10th , at 7:00 PM at CCBC Dundalk.



National Women's Football Association Stories from April 28, 2003


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