Mutiny defense freezes Maine
May 12, 2004 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Massachusetts Mutiny News Release
The Mass Mutiny defense put on a dazzling performance Saturday night in a 40-0 icing of the Maine Freeze in Portland. The defense totally dominated the Freeze offense, holding them to 84 total yards, and only five first downs, while intercepting five passes and sacking the quarterback three times. On a night when the offense was a bit erratic, the defense provided great field position all evening, allowing the offense to cash in on short drives all game.
The Mutiny set the tone for the game very early, forcing the Freeze to a three and out possession to open the game. Jeannette Smith's 18-yard punt return spotted the ball on the Freeze 37-yard line. Tara Fay danced into the end zone on the Mutiny's first play from scrimmage and a quick 7-0 lead.
Most of the rest of the first half was a test of defensive wills. The Mutiny defense provided stop after stop, while the offense made some small noise in moving the football, but sputtered and stalled after moderate success.
The turning point of the game occurred after Smith lost a fumble on her own 49-yard line. The Freeze connected on their biggest play of the game when quarterback Katie Morin connected with Suzy Preston for a 46-yard completion down to the Mutiny 3-yard line. A tie game seemed inevitable. But, the Mutiny defense stiffened and made a tremendous goal-line stand. On first and goal, Morin was sacked for a 6 yard loss by Deb Deltoro. An incomplete pass and a 6-yard completion followed to set up a 4th and goal at the Mutiny 3-yard line. On 4th down, the Freeze lined up in a gimmick formation with only the center and the two guards in formation in front of the quarterback. Five players lined up wide left and two wide right. The Mutiny quickly adjusted and stuffed the ensuing pass play for a one-yard loss.
From here, the offense played its most consistent ball of the game. Ripping up huge chunks of ground, Smith and Fay combined for 65 yards on seven carries before backup quarterback Sue Lizotte-Johnson hit wideout Ginger Snow for a 31-yard touchdown with only 59 seconds remaining in the half.
The Freeze managed one first down before the half, and a Hail Mary fell incomplete with the scoreboard clock showing zeroes. However, the referee on the field said there was still time left for one more play in the half. The Freeze tried one more desperation heave. This time the pass was intercepted by Kendra Cestone at the Mutiny 30-yard line and returned it 70 yards for the touchdown. Just like that, the Mutiny held a 19-0 halftime lead.
The defense took control of the second half. The other four members of the Mutiny secondary-Veronica Milinazzo, Stacy Walker, Vicky Eddy and Kim Hickey, all came up with interceptions. The offense took advantage of the short field time and time again with short, quick scoring drives.
The 3-1 Mutiny next take on the Connecticut Crush at Cushing Field at Umass Lowell this Saturday at 7 pm. It is Kids' Night at the Stadium---all children 14 and under are admitted free. There will also be some halftime entertainment for all children.
GAME NOTES:
The Mutiny defense allowed only five first downs for the game...two on pass interference penalties.....and only one first down in the second half. The defense held the Maine offense to minus- 17 second half yards. Deb Deltoro had two of the Mutiny's three sacks.
Offensively, Jeannette Smith rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown. Tara Fay rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown. Joyce Harrington ran for her first touchdown of the season and Mary Devin caught an 8-yard pass for her first touchdown of the year.
For the season, Smith has 376 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns and 50 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Fay has 267 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Ginger Snow has 15 catches on the season for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Veronica Milinazzo has three interceptions on the season and one touchdown. Deb Deltoro has 2 blocked punts and 2 sacks.
National Women's Football Association Stories from May 12, 2004
- Mutiny battles Crush Saturday - Massachusetts Mutiny
- Mutiny defense freezes Maine - Massachusetts Mutiny
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