Pittsburgh Passion: Four Stars Of The Game In Win Over New York Sharks
By Larry Snyder
This time the gridiron rumble was in the heart of Brooklyn as the Pittsburgh Passion collected 21 points in the second and third quarters Saturday and were able to come away with a 21-14 victory over the New York Sharks (4-2).
More from Pittsburgh Passion
- IWFL Gameday: Pittsburgh And Utah Battle For Championship
- Pittsburgh Passion: Four Stars Of The Game Vs. Carolina Phoenix
- Pittsburgh Passion Ready To Take On Carolina Phoenix
- Pittsburgh Passion Advance To IWFL Eastern Conference Final
- Pittsburgh Passion: Their Time Is Now!
The Black and Gold are 5-0 in the Independent Womens Football League, and 6-0 overall this season. They are in first place in the IWFL‘s Mid Atlantic Division with the Philadelphia Firebirds (5-1) right behind in second place.
A tough game between these two rivals is not new. During the march to the championship last season, the Eastern Conference title matchup was close at Cupples Stadium as Pittsburgh claimed a 26-12 victory against New York before moving on to dismantle the Houston Energy 41-7 to bring home the trophy.
Let’s take another look at the battle near Jamican Bay as we see who helped the Passion to continue to defend the title and remain unbeaten.
1) The Pittsburgh Pirates this season are known to board the Cole Train on the North Shore and ride to victory in the National League. Over on the South Side, the Passion jump on the Catone Train. Rookie running back Tara Catone rushed for 182-yards on 31 carries and a touchdown. The Slippery Rock University product was a dual threat as she contributed 63 receiving yards on just two receptions.
2) Defensive lineman Octavia Griswold took care of business on both sides of the ball. The Toledo, Ohio native put up six tackles, three of which were for a loss, and blocked a kick. She also added a two-yard rushing touchdown that ended up being the margin of victory in the third quarter.
3) Linebacker Tia Montgomery made her presence known as she recorded seven tackles, two of which were for a loss, tipped a pass, and recovered a fumble on the evening.
4) This week, quarterback Lisa Horton got it done on the ground as the 13-year veteran rolled up 43-yards on six carries and a touchdown. She completed 5-for-15 for 97 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
Offense Honorable Mentions: Wide receiver Angela Baker hauled in two passes for 25-yards. She came through when her team needed her the most by adding the two-point conversion after Griswold’s touchdown in the third quarter.
Defense Honorable Mentions: Linebacker Olivia Griswold had a sack and tied with Montgomery in tackles with seven stops of her own. Rookie free safety Kim Beaver put up three tackles and an interception.
Special Teams Honorable Mention: Amy Fallon had two outstanding punts that totaled 131 yards and pinned New York deep in their own territory. She made one of her two extra-point attempts.
In a game with a lot of give-and-take, New York got on the scoreboard first, putting up a rushing touchdown with 2:10 left in the first quarter. After a Passion fumble in the fourth quarter, the Sharks were able to add another rushing score with 8:25 remaining in the contest.
Up Next: The Passion return to East Carson Street this Saturday for a rematch with the Toledo Reign (1-4). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Cupples Stadium. Pittsburgh downed Toledo 66-0 in the season opener Saturday, April 11 at Don Paul Stadium in Ohio.
From The Clipboard: There are just four undefeated teams left in the IWFL. The Houston Energy (4-0), the Sacramento Sirens (7-0), and the Utah Falcons (3-0) join the Passion in the quartet of perfection.
Next: View From The Booth: These Hounds are a different breed