Orlando Starz 2003 Outlook
April 7, 2003 - Independent Women's Football League (IWFL)
Orlando Mayhem News Release
In their inaugural season, the Orlando Starz compiled a 7-1 record and won the Independent Women's Football League's South.East Atlantic Division championship.
Even so, Head Coach Wes Moore thinks this year's edition is a much, much better team.
"I've see a lot of improvement as we've practiced,'' said Moore, whose team begins their 2003 season Saturday evening against the Tampa Bay Terminators at Jones High School. We're better off in the skill positions, we have better talent, and our defense is as solid as a rock.
``We've been practicing all this time, so now I'm ready to get this season started."
Orlando will be placed in the IWFL's Southern Division with the Terminators and the Miami Fury as they vie for a berth in the IWFL's Eastern Conference three-team playoffs for the right to play in the championship game June 12 in New York City. In addition to the six divisional games, Orlando will play a home-and-home series with the Atlanta Xplosion, an exhibition team and travel to Detroit to face the Detroit Blaze in a non-conference game.
"I think having divisional rivals will add some incentive,'' Moore said. "We'll be ready."
The Starz will run an I-formation behind the experienced quarterbacking of Kahs Sky-Deer, who will be calling her own plays this season. Backing her up will be Christine Shaw.
"Kahs is one of the best quarterbacks in women's football,'' Moore said. "She's very knowledgeable of the game and that's why I can entrust her in calling her plays."
In the backfield with Sky-Deer will be Andrea Anderson, Ayesha Jones and Lois Daly.
The offensive line is one of Moore's concern's.
"We don't have the depth I'd like and we're going to be asking them to see double duty on both sides of the ball,'' Moore said. "I think we're better on the defensive side and that'll help us, even though I'm confident we can put points on the board.
Moore is counting on Mona "Cowboy" Mitzenius, Wanda Romero and JJ Hamilton to shore up the line's development through the season.
Laurie Aversano will also see time on both sides of the ball, anchoring the linebacking corps. Paulette Jackson, Ayesha Jones and Jana VanderLoop will lead the defensive secondary.
The Starz are solid on special teams with the return of Angie Mickel, who handled kicking duties for a men's semipro teams in Georgia before coming to play women's football. Mickel will also play on the offensive line when needed.
Independent Women's Football League Stories from April 7, 2003
- Orlando Starz 2003 Outlook - Orlando Mayhem
- Sharks to host IWFL Championship Game - New York Sharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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