 |
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
Click here to visit
our new, secure Xplosion online store! |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
Contact:
Mashonda Gilmore
Atlanta Xplosion
678.300.6771
678.791.3228
manager@atlantaxplosion.com
Mashonda_gilmore@yahoo.com
June 12, 2006
Xplosion Division Conference Champion Two Years in a Row
The Atlanta Xplosion clinched their division for the second year in a row
after serving the Miami Fury with their first loss of the year by a
score of 41-6. The Xplosion improve their record to 6-0 this season
and are guaranteed a playoff spot in the race for the 2006 IWFL Championship.
The game started with the Atlanta Xplosion driving the opening kick-off to
Miami’s 17 yard line. However, after several penalties, the Xplosion had
to settle for a 36 yard field goal by #74 Angie Mickel. The Xplosion took
the lead 3-0.
The next kick-off would conclude with Xplosion’s special teams guru #19
Kristina Cooper recovering a fumble at Miami’s 35 yard line. “This girl
has done an awesome job this year on special teams,” head coach Beniamino
stated. “She works hard week to week to be the biggest threat on the
field during special teams and is.” The Atlanta’s offense took over again
and brought the ball inside the red zone to the Miami’s 9 yard line.
However, penalties again backed the Xplosion up along with an 11 yard sack
from the Miami’s defense and the Xplosion were forced to punt. “Penalties
hurt us real bad the first half,” Beniamino said. The Xplosion recorded
15 penalties for over 100 yards in this game. Sixty yards of those
penalties came in the first half.
The Fury took over the ball at their own 20 yard line and nine plays later
they had the lead in the game by a score of 6-3. They went for the two
point conversion but was stopped by #44 Carla Odom (5 tackles) and #2 Toni
Fuller (6 tackles). The half would end and the Xplosion were behind 6-3
with only two quarters left to play in the game.
“We knew going into this game that Miami wasn’t coming here to lose, however
we felt we hurt ourselves in the first half. We made a few adjustments and
challenged the girls to see if they had what it takes to be considered true
champions. True Champions can come from behind and win.” Well they
answered that question with conviction in the second half.
The defense lead by leading tackler #56 Kiwanni Ash (8 tackles) and #41
Angela Rowe (6 tackles), shut Miami out for the next thirty minutes. The
Defense made quick work of Miami and after three plays they were forced to
punt. Fifty-five yards later, captain punt returnee, #83 Cheryl Luther
found the end zone and the Xplosion had the lead back 9-6. “This
definitely changed the momentum of the game, Beniamino said. When she
turned the corner everyone in the stands was on their feet.” Mickel landed
the extra point and the Xplosion had the lead 10-6.
On the ensuing kick-off, kicker Angie Mickel recorded her second touchback
of the year blasting one in the end-zone. Miami took over at their own
twenty yard line and after a big sack by #63 Kasola Smith (2 tackles) and
Toni Fuller, the Fury were backed up to their own 14 yard line. This is
where Rowe and Ash would finish Miami’s attempts by sacking the Quarterback
in the end zone for a safety and the Xplosion lead 12-6. The Fury then gave
the Xplosion great field position after the free kick. One play later and
rookie #18 Lee Lee Cannon, (6 carries for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns), flew
to the end zone. Here Quarterback #12 Charmaine Chin connected to #16
Jessalyn Martin for the two point conversion and the Xposion started to
pull away 20-6.
The Xplosion’s defense would give the ball back to their offense at
Miami’s 39 yard line. Several plays later #18 Cannon raced 26 yards
and completed her second touchdown of the game. Mickel stayed perfect
with her points after and the lead grew 27-6.
The defense took the field again and penalties once hurt them again.
A pass interference call and a facemask helped Miami to Atlanta’s 37
yard line. But the defense would bend, but not break and Miami
turned the ball over to the offense after a loss of downs. This
drive would be capped off by a 33 yard run by #83 Cheryl Luther for
her second touchdown of the game. The point after was connected by
Mickel again and the Atlanta’s lead was 34-6.
Miami’s next play of the game would result into an interception
by Atlanta’s defender #23 Mickieon Dozier (4 tackles, 1
interception). Five plays later and running back #29 Keisha
Hamilton (7 carries 65 yard, 1 touchdown) finished the drive
with a five yard touchdown drive. Mickel was straight through the
uprights for the point after and the game finished 41-6.
“This game sent a message,” defensive coordinator Craig Couchoud
stated. “We feel that this is one of the toughest conferences in
the league and we play a tough schedule. These girls don’t back
down from anybody and they continue to play well as the game goes
on.”
The Xplosion continue their quest for an undefeated season this week
at home facing the Tampa Bay Terminators at 6:00 p.m. At Campbell
high School in Smyrna. “The Xplosion’s team and staff would like
to thank all of our fans for making this game a record setting game
for us. We ask that we strive too bring in even more fans each
week as you continue to help us grow as the premier team in women’s
football today.” For more ticket information you can go to our
website at www.atlantaxplosion.com or email us at manager@atlantaxplosion.com.
|
|
|
