Pittsburgh Passion: Building A Season Of Excellence
By Larry Snyder
A football field is 100 yards long. It is the same length in high school, college, or the pros. But, the gridiron at Cupples Stadium may not be able to contain the talent and determination of the undefeated Pittsburgh Passion this season.
Last week the Black and Gold took another step towards the Independent Women’s Football League National Championship Game in July as they defeated the New York Sharks 21-6 on the South Side to extend their record to 6-0 and first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division.
During the contest there was another career achievement for the Passion record books when wide receiver Rachel Wojdowski claimed her 2,000th career receiving yard by the end of evening. The week before against the Carolina Phoenix, she joined teammate Amanda Haeg as the only two players in team history to haul in 100 career receptions.
Pittsburgh’s offense leads the IWFL with 209 points put up on the scoreboard this season. The two teams closest to the Passion are the Montreal Blitz of the North Atlantic Division with 199 points and the California Quake of the Pacific West Division with 198 points.
The Black and Gold defense continues to command respect as they had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last week against the Sharks. Olivia Griswold led the way from her linebacker position with seven tackles, one blocked punt, and one fumble recovery. Defensive end Jessica Nelko had the other fumble recovery to go along with four tackles. Defensive backs Alex McAtee and Krissy Edmonds each had one interception.
The Passion has allowed only 18 points total this season and they are one of three teams to have allowed less than twenty points. The other two are the Madison Blaze, also surrendering just 18 points, and the Keystone Assault, having given up 14 points.
Special Teams has been getting the job done as kicker Amy Fallon continued her streak against New York going three for three on extra points.
With a bye this weekend, the final home game of 2014 will take place when Pittsburgh hosts a rematch from Week #2 when the Philadelphia Firebirds come to the South Side on Saturday, June 7 at 7 p.m. The Passion will wrap up the regular season on the road when they load up the team bus on Saturday, June 14 to take on the Nighthawks in Baltimore.