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PASSION WIN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP |
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Twenty five years ago, the Miami Dolphins completed a perfect season
in route to their world championship. In 2007, the Pittsburgh Passion (12-0) equaled
that accomplishment with a 32-0 win over the Columbus Comets (9-3) to secure the team's
first NWFA championship. In front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 at Whites Creek High School,
just north of Nashville, TN, the Passion used a balanced attack of running and passing
to come away with the victory.
Pittsburgh received the opening kick and drove the ball down the field for 64 yards on 7 plays,
capped off by a 2 yard run from Torina Henley to take a 6-0 lead. Columbus was able to
move the ball effectively down the field on their first possession. The Comets drove the ball
to the Pittsburgh 15 yard line and were faced with a 4th and 2. Olivia Griswold came up with a
huge tackle on Comet RB Shelly Gates behind the line of scrimmage. The Passion offense decided
to give the defense a break. Pittsburgh used a 13 play, 81 yard drive with most of the yards
coming on the ground to get on the scoreboard again. Torina Henley ran around the right end for a 6 yard score. Wilma Walton caught the 2 point conversion in the endzone and the Passion led 14-0 early in the second quarter. Lyndsi Hughes continued the scoring with a 5 yard touchdown run up the middle as Pittsburgh led 20-0. Just inside the two minute warning, QB Lisa Horton sneaked the ball in from the one yard line and the Passion took a 26-0 lead into halftime. It looked as if Pittsburgh would easily see their way to a championship in the 2nd half. However, a 30 minute power outage during halftime put a small delay on the celebration.
Columbus received the kick to start the second half and fumbled on the third play. Pittsburgh
was able to capitalize when Horton found Lori Johnson in the endzone for a 2 yard touchdown pass
and the Passion scored the final touchdown of the game.
The Passion running attack was again led
by Torina Henley. She was able to get 86 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns in her final game
as a member of the Passion. Lyndsi Hughes accounted for 63 yards on the ground. Lisa Horton was
13 for 19 passing for 127 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. She also had 44 yards on the ground. Lori Johnson
was the primary target snagging 5 catches for 50 yards. The Passion defense was able to cause 5
turnovers from the Comets. One interception each was recorded by Kellie Byers, Sharon Vasquez,
and Michelle Brevard. Jo Jo Warner and Kelly Stoner recovered fumbles for the Passion. Olivia Griswold
led the defense with 9 tackles. Ava Nickens accounted for 8 and Beth Amato who also played her final
game for the defense had 7.
The Passion is a licensed team in the NWFA. |
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