Women's Football Continues to Grow

Lyndi Prestgard Falconz LB going in for a tackle on Megann Lohman

by MICHAEL RAMOS

We always look forward to playing the Mile High Blaze. They were the first team to score on us, and they're the only team we've faced which has scored on us in more than one game. Our defense has one goal when we play them: to get a shutout.

As usual, Blaze Coach Terry Lister and his staff had his ladies playing. They were missing players. Wide receiver Kim Santistevan was out, as was quarterback Tyesha Lowery. Lowery is an all-out baller. She's got a great knack for keeping plays alive. She breaks plays and can fire the ball deep downfield. She's a true test for our defense, and it was a shame she didn't play. As a coach, I'd prefer she be in the sideline because she's a headache. As a fan, though, I love to watch her play.

But Blaze QB Stacey Williams stepped up and played well against us. Her passes were on the money. And even though we had three interceptions, she was throwing darts. Passes were just out of reach of our defenders, and their receivers played well. Williams got her team in to the end zone on a deep pass we barely missed knocking down. Even though we won 67-6, the defense really wanted the shutout. So in our opinion, the Blaze got us again.

That's not to downplay our performance. With the three interceptions Saturday, that makes eight picks in two games. However, none of them have been returned for touchdowns, as I've reminded my defense. I like when they're hungry, so whenever they get an interception, I grill them if they don't run it back for a touchdown. Our Falconz offense was as efficient as ever, scoring on nearly every time we get the ball, and that includes our second- and third-string units.

Without question, the Blaze is a great group to play against. On and off the field, they are a commendable group. When I spoke to their players, they always answered with "Yes, sir" or "No, sir". I don't think Yolanda Searcy took any plays off. She was carrying the ball like a beast, making tackles on defense, and blocking on kick return. The only time I saw her take a break was during the two lightning delays, and in between quarters.

If they stay the course, the Blaze has the potential to be a juggernaut. The team is loaded with talent, with a nucleus of players who continue to improve. And they're not afraid to play us. This is particularly refreshing because playing football games should be the reason we're all here. We watch a lot of film whenever we have the Blaze on the schedule.

Not only are they playing solid football, they're playing their local rivals. That means they're bringing more attention and fans to women's football. It'd be nice to get a rivalry like that going in Utah. We have the teams here, we have the talent, it's about time to make it happen.

Until then, we're happy to have friendly rivalries with teams like the Blaze and the Rocky Mountain Thunderkatz. The Blaze was a great opponent to have as we are closing out our schedule. We can use the film against them to continue to teach our players what it's going to take to become a championship team.

They're also a great group to break bread with. Whether home or away, we always get together post-game to have a few drinks. I wasn't able to make it this time around, as I needed to catch a redeye. But I'm looking forward to the next encounter, because it's sure to be a great one.

While I couldn't make it to the fifth quarter get-together between our teams, can I take a second or two to laud Mesa Verde Restaurant inside Denver International? Not only was the food great, our server Allie was a tough little spitfire Coach Lister should look at recruiting. Moral of the story: Colorado is full of tough women. We're playing another one this week. The Colorado Freeze travels to Salt Lake ready to battle. They're a new team, and we're looking forward to another Colorado rival. 

You may have noticed a slowdown in the blog posts. Watching loads of film and preparing for opponents leaves little time for reflection. However, now that we are gearing up for the postseason, it's a good time to reflect on everything that's happened so far. After this week, anything can happen. Our season can be over with one bad half, or with a defense that loses focus.

My job is to make sure we don't lose focus. So right now I'm focusing on more game film.