New York Sharks Clinch Mid-Atlantic Division Crown
Published on May 22, 2004 under Independent Women's Football League (IWFL)
New York Sharks News Release
The New York Sharks of the Independent Women's Football League have clinched the Mid-Atlantic Division title by beating the Chicago Force this Saturday, 27-7 in Queens, New York. The Sharks still have 2 games left to play but with their victory have earned a berth in the playoffs and the home field in the first round of the playoffs.
The match-up featured two of the most feared defenses in women's football, the two teams having shutout their opponents a combined 8 times this season out of 11 games. Chicago drew first blood on a 1-yard touchdown run by Theresa Simon with 6:46 left in the first half.
The Sharks came roaring back on a 12 play 69-yard drive to score their first touchdown. The drive capped by a 1-yard quarterback Val Halesworth keeper. Halesworth scored again on the 2 point conversion to give New York the 8-7 lead.
After a short punt by Chicago in the third, the Sharks had the ball on the Force's 30-yard line. Halesworth made quick work of it by hitting wide receiver Karen Mulligan twice in the drive. The score coming on a 17-yard pass to Mulligan with 7:48 left in the third quarter.
The Sharks defense sensing the division title shut down the high-scoring Chicago offense. The Force had been averaging 44 points a game, but in the second half, New York allowed them only 1 first down.
With the defense dominating the game, the offense kept to a ground control game and was able to wear down the Chicago team. The Sharks scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Another Halesworth keeper for one touchdown and a 3-yard run by Missy Marmorale for the last score of the game.
The New York Sharks now go on the road for the two final games of the season before the start of the playoffs on June 26th.
Independent Women's Football League Stories from May 22, 2004
- New York Sharks Clinch Division Title - New York Sharks
- New York Sharks Clinch Mid-Atlantic Division Crown - New York Sharks
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