So Close, But What A Game

By: Deb Wallace

May 21, 2005 - ROSSFORD, OH - We are now past the halfway point in the season and the Spitfire’s record is 0-4, but they are showing many signs of improvement in their play. This was most evident after the second home game of the season against the Milwaukee Momentum. Compared to the other games the Spitfire has played, this one was the most evenly matched between the two teams.

Yet again, the defense had a strong showing and they allowed only one touchdown in the game, which came late in the fourth quarter. They created many fourth down situations for the Momentum, with five of them resulting in a turn over on downs. On this night Amanda Thames led the team with a lot of hard hits and she put plenty of pressure on the Momentum quarterback throughout the game. Thames was helped out by Amy Wilkins, Pam Pennington, Denise Thompson, and Joy Youster. First time player Rachelle Adams had a few plays on defense plus was our kicker for this game. Youster continued with punting duty, though Cathy Yungmann also had a few punts besides spending some time under center late in the game. Offensively, the team played their best game yet this season. Sue Nuesmeyer started at quarterback and had two fantastic pass plays to Youster for 24 and 15 yard gains, with the 15 yard play resulting in the one and only touchdown for the Spitfire. Kentrah Smith had the most carries, with all being for short yard gains. Wilkins, Youster, Thompson, and Nuesmeyer also carried the ball several times during the night. This was the most productive night for the offense so far and things look promising for the rest of the season. After a well played game by both teams, the Momentum won 14-6, due to taking advantage of Spitfire penalties late in the game. Even with the loss, there were many positive things that happened, and those will be used to build on for the next game.

The Spitfire will be at home again on Saturday, May 28^th against the Kentucky Karma. They will also be home the following Saturday, June 4^th to play the Pittsburgh Passion.

Notes: Toledo again dressed 20 players for the game, and Milwaukee had 26. This is also Milwaukee’s inaugural season in the NWFA. The Momentum are now 3-1 with their only loss coming against SW Michigan. More information can be found at www.toledospitfire.com.