2.9.12
More Photos From Last Weekend's Practice!
DB makes a catch with Hulk defending.
Michelle and Riss battling.
Lola looks back for the ball with Kim closing in on D.
1.12.12
New England Intensity 2012 Game Schedule Released!!!!
Click here to view the 2012 New England Intensity Game Schedule!!
1.7.12
Intensity Training Camp is Underway!
The New England Intensity kicked off the 2012 Training Camp with several hours of classroom and on-field work at Medway High!!! Visit the Schedule Page for more details on upcoming practices--new players are always welcome!!
Coach Johnson leading film review.
Tricia and Magan doing DB Drills.
2.7.12
Next Intensity Training Camp Practice to be Held this Saturday, 2/11/12, from 5-730pm at Winter Hill School!!
Please visit the Schedule Page from more details!!! New Players ALWAYS welcome!!
2.6.12
2012 Super Bowl Squares Winners Announced!!
Well, for most of us, the outcome of the Super Bowl was not what we would have liked, but for these folks, the bitter pill was a bit easier to swallow:
Quarter 1 Winner (9-0, ny): Russ Bacon
Quarter 2 Winner (10-9, NE): Russ Bacon
Quarter 3 Winner (17-15, NE): Morgan Medwin
Quarter 4 Winner (21-17, ny): Ed Foster
Thank you, again, to everyone who participated!!
2.5.12
Superbowl Squares Matrix Released!!
Click here to view it!!
2.4.12
The Intensity's First "in-pads" Practice of the 2012 Training Camp a HUGE Success!!
New England donned the helmets and shoulder pads for the first time this season and what a productive session it was!!!
Some photos from the practice!!
Erica goes of for a pass as Heather, looking back for the ball, defends her. Kate looks on.
Coach Legget observing Kim and DB on a man-coverage drill.
Holly lines up against Maia while Coach Lockhart and some of the Meat look on!
Coaches Johnson and Callahan work form tackling with the LBs.
2.2.12
New England's Next Training Camp Practice Will be This Saturday, 2/4/12, at Winter Hill School!
The Blue will conduct their next practice this Saturday, 2/4/12, from 230-5pm at the Winter Hill Community School! Please visit the Schedule Page for more details. New Players are always welcome!
1.30.12
Tremendous Training Camp Practice Last Saturday!!
Awesome O Skills and D Line work last Saturday at Medway High! Our next practice will be this upcoming Saturday, 2/4/12. Check back often as we will soon be confirming the venue and time! New players are always welcome!
1.27.12
A Few More Pictures From Last Practice!!
DB and Lise Close Sprinting.
Coco doing a tackling drill.
Riss about to hit the bag.
1.25.12
New England's Next Training Camp Practice 1/28/12 at Medway High!!
Our next practice is this Saturday (1/25/12) from 3-5pm at Medway High School (88 Summer Street, Medway, Massachusetts). Please visit the Schedule Page for more details and directions. As always, new players are welcome!!
1.21.12
The Intensity Braves the Elements for Another Great Training Camp Practice!!
The snow and wind was not enough to stop Blue from getting in a very productive offensive session Saturday afternoon in Somerville!! Kudos to those who trekked in! Stay tuned for information on our next practice!
A few photos from 1/21/12:
Julie Collette hits the tackle bag!
Coco and Christine doing agility work.
1.20.12
Venue Change for the Intensity's 1/21/12 Practice!!
The New England Intensity will be holding their next Training Camp Practice this Saturday, 1/21/12, from 230-5pm at The Winter Hill Community School, located at 115 Sycamore Street, Somerville, Massachusetts! See the Schedule Page for more information and for directions! New players are ALWAYS welcome!!
1.18.12
The Intensity's Next Training Camp Practice Will Be Saturday, 1/21/12!!
The New England Intensity will be holding their next Training Camp Practice this Saturday, 1/21/12, from 230-5pm at The Cambridge Athletic Club! See the Schedule Page for more information and for directions! New players are ALWAYS welcome!!
A few more photos from last week's Training Camp Practice:
Heather in a Tackling Drill.
Holly Closes in on the Tackling Bag.
1.15.12
A Strong Defensive Training Camp Practice for the Blue on 1/15/12!!
The Intensity put in some solid work, on the defensive side of the ball in particular, at the Cambridge Athletic Club Sunday afternoon!!
Kate and Mocha about to hit the tackle bags!
Coach Lockhart doing D Line drills.
1.9.12
Next Intensity Training Camp Practice Sunday, 1/15/12!
The Intensity's next Training Camp Practice will be Sunday, 1/15/12, from 1-330pm at the Cambridge Athletic Club! Please visit the Schedule page for all the details! New players are always welcome!!
1.8.12
More Training Camp Photos!
The line doing start drills.
Andrea Covelli and Christine Sampson doing DB work.
1.4.12
Medway High to Host the Training Camp-Opening Practices on 1/7/12!
The New England Intensity will be conducting film review/classroom work at Medway High this Saturday morning during the first of the two Double Sessions, then moving onto the field for the afternoon session!! Visit the Schedule Page for more details--new players are always welcome!!
1.3.12
Update from Jenn Armstrong (O'Connor) in Uganda...
Jenn Armstrong continues to do great things in Uganda--she is there, quite a ways off the beaten path in a remote town named Nyakibale (a small town in southwestern Uganda, about 20 miles from the Democratic Republic of Congo and about 50 miles from Rwanda).
Jenn is working with the Global Emergency Care Collaborative (GECC), in short, working on developing and improving emergency care in poor countries. She has been over there about a month now and is scheduled to return back to the United States in a few weeks! We continue to wish her well and look forward to her safe return.
12.30.11
The Intensity Gears Up For Training Camp!
With the first Training Camp Practice barely a week away (1/7/12--a Double Session, see the Schedule Page for more info), the Intensity is in full-on preparatory mode! The release of the regular season game schedule by the IWFL is expected in the not too distant future, too--check back often for more details :-)!!
12.15.11
Intensity Player Jenn Armstrong (O'Connor) Hard at Work In Uganda!
Jenn and Friend coming "out of the hole" doing a Jerry can Squat!
Good Lift, you two!!!
Jenn Armstrong (formerly O'Connor--she married Rob Armstrong this past summer), an Intensity LB/RB/QB and Medical Researcher in Boston, was presented with the rare and exciting opportunity to do medical research abroad . . . WAAAAY abroad, in Nyakibale, Uganda (about 3 days worth of travel from Boston)! She's about 3 weeks into an approximately 2-month long trip and keeping active with some imagination and creativity (see the Jerry Can sqauts in the photos above--and those are just the tip of the iceberg of what she and some of her new friends have been doing). The entire Intensity family wishes her well, a fun and successful trip, and a safe return next month!
8.14.11
2011--A Great Season for the Intensity!!
Despite the unpleasant result in the final game, 2011 was, hands-down, the most successful season to-date for the New England Intensity—a statement that has, impressively, been said for the last several years as the franchise has continued it’s upward trend quite consistently.
Having been to the playoffs 4 times prior to 2011, including three straight appearances (2008-2010), New England had yet to emerge victorious from a post-season contest. That changed in a big way in 2011, with the Blue hosting the large and powerful Baltimore Nighthawks in the quarterfinals—and soundly defeating them 25-0. The Semifinal game served up an even more daunting challenge for New England, a road game versus the even larger Chattanooga Locomotion. The result was similar though, with the more cohesive, in-shape, and balanced Intensity squad hanging another donut on a playoff opponent, winning 20-0, earning the first-ever Conference Title and advancing, also for the first time in franchise history, to the Championship game.
Defense was, unquestionably, the hallmark of the 2011 New England Intensity, with Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson making great strides in the effectiveness of the squad on D. In the 9 year history of the Intensity, never before had a team given up so few points in a season (73 points allowed—in 11 games, the most games played in a season to-date) and had so miniscule an average points per game allowed per season (6.6 points allowed per game). The opportunistic Johnsonian Defense also set perhaps it’s most amazing record: 7 defensive touchdowns scored—which really helped out an offense that struggled at times. All-time season-best marks were also set in Interceptions Caught (12) and Interception Return Yards (358).
The amazing job done by the Intensity D all began in the middle with veteran LB Charlene Casey demolishing the old marks for single game Tackle Assists (25—versus the Chattanooga Locomotion in the Conference Finals), and Most Tackle Assists in a single season (106). DB Jojo Gauthier separated herself in the record books for most Interceptions in a Season (5) and Most Interception Return Yards in a Season (171 yards). Gauthier also set single game records for Interceptions Caught (3) and Interception Return Yards (82 yards). DE Bridget Cambria set marks for the Most Sacks in a Game (4) and in a Season (9). Additionally, DT Torrance Brown tied the all-time record for Fumble Recoveries (2).
The Offense, despite seeing it’s output dip from all-time highs set in the previous season, did set a couple records of it’s own in 2011; notably, the Most Rushing Yards (1,444 yards) and the Highest Average Yards Per Carry (5.5 yards per carry). This was fueled largely by RB Lisa Vincent’s emergence as a top-flight running back with home-run potential every time she carried the ball. Vincent would shatter the single-season record for Longest Average Yards per Carry, streaking her way to 9.1 yards per carry. She would also set single game marks for Longest Run (and Longest TD Run)—80 yards, and the Longest Rushing Average for a game (20.2 yards—in a playoff game, nonetheless).
Special Teams saw a few records fall, with Brown blocking the first Field Goal Attempt in team history. Rookie Lola Kantak tied the record for Field Goals Attempted in a Single Game (1), and Gauthier broke the record for longest punt, a whopping 59-yarder. TE/K Brenna Leveille had the longest Kickoff Average for a single game with an eye-popping 48.0 yard average.
Congrats to the team and players for these noteworthy accomplishments. Each of these new records, be them team or individual, are due to the entire organization working hard to make each of them possible. It was the teamwork of the Intensity that is most responsible for the success they met with in 2011, and it is this teamwork that will fuel the franchise to even greater success in 2012!
12.21.11
More Photos from 12/17/11 OTA!
D Line Sprinting with Coach Lockhart.
DB and LB work with Coach Johnson.
12.10.11
Awesome Double Session OTA on 12/10/11!
New England had a extraordinary double session, with a 2-hour classroom/film review session in the morning and a 3-hour practice at Medway High in the afternoon!! It was an O-heavy day to be sure and a ton of great work was done!
Andrea and Michelle Torres do the hand off drill.
The Line doing some footwork drills.
12.7.11
12/10/11 OTA Times/Venues Set!
The Double Session OTA for this Saturday, 12/10/11, are as follows: Session 1--930 to 1130am at The Brandon Center. Session 2--1 to 4pm at Medway High School. Please visit the Schedule Page for more information. All players interested in the Intensity are encouraged to attend!!
12.4.11
Very Productive OTA for New England on 12/3/11!
The Intensity spent some time on Special Teams and Defense (as well as O) at Medway High School on 12/3/11. The active session kept everyone busy and engaged throughout! Our next OTA will be a double session this Saturday upcoming, 12/10/11. Times and Venues TBD. Check back often for updates!
Some D in action . . . Torrance Brown, Heather Eagleson, Coco Edwards and Charlene Casey await the snap!
11.29.11
The Intensity OTA on 12/3/11 will be from 2-4pm at Medway High School!
11.26.11
Recent OTA Pictures! And don't forget to attend the OTA on 12/3/11!
Nikia Speed and Tricia Riordan negotiate the agility bags.
Coach Johnson working with the LBs.
11.19.11
Another Great OTA in the Books!!!
The Intensity players and staff conducted a very productive conditioning and offensive session Saturday, 11/19. The momentum continues to build for 2012! Our next OTA will be 12/3/11, all are welcome, so come on out!!
11.18.11
More photos of the 11/12/11 OTA! And don't forget to attend the OTA on 11/19/11, from 3-5pm at Medway High School!
Rebecca doing footwork drills.
Speed, Adrianna and Riss doing a pursuit drill.
11.13.11
Massively Successful Double-Session OTA on 11/12/11!
Nearly 40 Intensity personnel were on hand for a day full of football Saturday, 11/12/11, at Medway High School's Hanlon Field. Extensive periods on individual and team skills/schemes were held and it was a phenomenal couple of sessions as the Blue continues to put in hard work in preparation for 2012! New players are always welcome and the next OTA will be Saturday, 11/19/11 from 3-5pm. Check back often as the venue will be function of the weather.
Christine Sampson, Vinny and DB working on defensive footwork with Coach Johnson at the 11/12 OTA.
Lizwe pushing D Line Coach Al Lockhart at the 11/12 OTA.
11.9.11
Coaches Callahan and Johnson working with Special Teams!
11.5.11
4th Intensity OTA a Smashing Success!
The New England Intensity held it's 4th OTA Saturday afternoon. Over 2 dozen of the Intensity was on hand for a very comprehensive O and D training session. The next OTA will be a double session on 11/12/11. All new and returning players are welcome and encouraged to attend! Please visit the Schedule Page for more detai
11.1.11
Some O vs. D work.
9.19.11
Intensity 2012 Off-Season Schedule Released!!
Click here for a printable version, and/or visit the Schedule Page!
10.26.11
Coach Callahan and the Meat!
10.23.11
The New England Intensity Holds its 3rd OTA!
Another great OTA was held on 10/22, with more Offensive work taking place! The next one will be Saturday, 11/5/11, from 4-6pm. A $10 fee for all attendees will be collected--this will be put %100 toward each player's respective 2012 individual player fees.
Visit the Schedule Page for More Details and Directions.
10.18.11
DB gets ready to hit the tackle bag during the 10/15/11 OTA! It was a very productive double session, the next one (a single session) will be on 10/22/11.
10.12.11
The Blue Steamrolls it's competitor!
10.8.11
The New England Intensity Kicks Off 2012 Season With it's First OTA!
A very robust showing of players and staff began the 2012 season in style Saturday, 10/8/11! The coaches provided a well-run, enthusiastic, up-tempo Organized Team Activity (OTA) that the players eagerly participated in. The next one will be Saturday, 10/15/11, a double-session, from 11am-130pm and 330pm-6pm. A $10 fee for all attendees will be collected--this will be put %100 toward each player's respective 2012 individual player fees.
Visit the Schedule Page for More Details and Directions.
10.4.11
QB Rebecca Lopez hands off to RB/LB Lisa Vincent with OL Lizwe Nondabula blocking.
10.1.11
The New England Intensity to Kick Off 2012 Season with OTAs Saturday 10/8/11!
Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin next Saturday, 10/8/11, from 4-6pm at Cornell's Field in Hopkinton. A $10 fee for all attendees will be collected at each OTA session--this will be put %100 toward each player's respective 2012 individual player fees.
Visit the Schedule Page for More Details and Directions.
9.29.11
The Intensity D in action early last season (a shutout of the Southern Maine Rebels in Portland, to be specific)
Visit the News Page for more Intensity Photos from the 2011 season!!
9.25.11
New England Intensity OTAs to Start in Less Than 2 Weeks!!!
We'll be hitting the ground running on October 8th, so be sure to be there!
Visit the Schedule Page for More Details.
9.21.11
Lizwe Nondabula demonstrates great technique sealing off the back side of a run play!
9.17.11
The Intensity Holds it 3rd Speed Training Session
Head Coach Johnny Johnson and Coach Al Lockhart were in attendance as several Intensity players participated in another speed training session at Medway High Saturday afternoon. The only thing better than the weather was the effort put forth by the players!!
9.16.11
Some action footage from Teamworks last season!! Tricia Riordan (#75), Aimee Guavin and Jojo Gauthier put some pressure on the offense!
9.14.11
Tricia Donovan running with the ball while Donna Bruce (#9) and Alex Montone (#16) block.
9.7.11
The Eastern Conference Celebratory Plank!!
9.6.11
Another Great Speed Training Session!
Several new and returning players worked up quite a sweat at the New England Intensity's most recent speed training session held on Monday, 9/5/11, at Medway High School. An outstanding effort was turned in by all participants! The next one will be Saturday, 9/17/11, from 4-530pm, at Medway High School--our home field, all prospective and returning players are invited!!
9.5.11
The Blue D gang tackling--Jojo Gauthier, Charlene Casey, Jennifer Edwards, Lisa Vincent and Erica Adams! Notice CocoPop holding the down box on the far sideline!
9.4.11
Center Michelle Breden's Husband Pat and Son Ryan--Game Day Volunteers Extraordinaire!
9.3.11
DB, Jenn O'Connor and Erica Adams go out on pass routes during warm-ups as Coach Ellison looks on.
9.2.11
A cool shot of all four of the Intensity's 2011 All Star Game participants in on the same play! Donna Bruce (#9) and Erica Adams bring the ball carrier for the Western Conference All Stars down while Lisa Vincent (coming in from the left) and Torrance Brown (following the play from the right) are about to jump on the pile!
9.1.11
Jojo Gauthier during one of her several interceptions--this one for a TD versus Southern Maine in the 2011 season opener!
8.31.11
Lizwe Nondabula and Kelly Hebert hit the bags!
8.30.11
Brenna Leveille, Michele Breden, T Brown and the rest of the line pave the way for lead-blocking full back Erica Adams (#51) and RB Lisa Vincent (#17) in Austin versus Seattle.
8.30.11
Vinny turning on the jets for a TD versus Baltimore.
8.29.11
In the pivotal game up in Manchester where New England Defeated the Freedom 7-0, the Intensity's dominant running game was well-captured in this photo were QB Rebecca Lopez (#10) hands off to RB Nikia Speed (#44) while LT Maia Goodall, LG Coco Edwards, FB Erica Adams, C Michelle Breden and RG Torrance Brown blast a hole through the defensive front.
8.28.11
T Brown and Kelly Hebert work on hitting drills with Coco and Tricia Riordan back during the pre-season.
8.27.11
The Press Conference prior to the Championship Game!
8.26.11
The size of the Chattanooga Locomotion versus the cohesion and mobility of the Intensity! New England prevailed, 20-0, to win the Eastern Conference title!
8.25.11
Team O and Team D during pregame!!
8.24.11
One of the few bright spots in a disappointing home loss to the Montreal Blitz, DE Captain Lisa Close slashes in to get to the Blitz QB, causing a fumble before she could get the pass off!
8.22.11
Excellent Speed and Agility Session on 8/21/11!
Several new and returning players were put through a very productive speed training session at Medway High on Sunday, 8/21/11. Future sessions will be held soon and all returning and prospective players are invited and encouraged to attend!
8.22.11
TE Brenna Leveille makes one of her game-leading 3 first down receptions (in heavy traffic) versus the Baltimore Nighthawks in New England's 25-0 Quarterfinal playoff victory!
8.21.11
LB Charlene Casey (#34) takes on the powerful running back from Chattanooga (and notches one of her amazing 25 tackle assists) with Stacey "Hulk" DeLuca (#80), Bridget Cambria (#8) and Lesely Lopes (#79) coming to help out during the Eastern Conference Championship game!
8.19.11
Vinny, Coco, Kate and Charlene converge on the Seattle ball carrier.
8.18.11
2011 All Star Game Participants:
Kneeling: #9 Donna Bruce, #51 Erica Adams, #17 Lisa Vincent
Standing: #91 Torrance Brown, #11 Lisa Close, Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson
8.18.11
Donna Bruce making a form tackle in the 2011 All Star Game!
8.8.11
Intensity All Stars Shine in Eastern
Conference Victory
The New England Intensity’s All Starts once again showed they are truly amongst the best players in the world. This year’s participants, fresh off a tough North American Championship game 24 hours prior, took the field in the blistering Texas summer sun to help their Eastern Conference teammates do battle with their counterparts from the West.
Four of the Blue’s selectees (LB/FB Erica Adams, DT/OL Torrance Brown, DB/WR Donna Bruce, and LB/RB Lisa Vincent), along with Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson, suited up for the end-of-season classic. DE Lisa Close, who was barely 2 weeks removed from ankle surgery yet still was miraculously able to play in the Championship game the day before, decided to take the cautious road and cheer her All Star teammates on from the sideline.
The winner of the 2011edition, the third such actual game in IWFL history, would have the edge as the East won in 2009 while the West prevailed last season. And the cloud cover and breeze that took the bite out of the heat at Kelly Reeves stadium for the Intensity’s match versus Seattle on Saturday were no where to be found Sunday . . . temps were in the upper 80’s by the 10am kickoff, with the beaming sun making it feel even about 10 degrees warmer.
With the Championship preparations taking clear and obvious priority over any All Star team practices in the days leading up to the weekend’s games, Coach Johnson and the New England players were not as familiar with the Eastern squad’s game plan as they would have otherwise preferred. No matter though, as each being a great football mind were able to jump right in!
Bruce and Brown saw action early in the 1st quarter, with Bruce quickly working into full-time defensive back and Special Teams duties. Brown, who openly professes her love of hot weather, got what she asked for and then some—playing on consecutive defensive and offensive series. Being the wily veteran she is (and realizing the there is benefit to getting some time on the sideline when wearing 20 lbs of equipment out in weather like this), she swindled some less-aware teammate into hopping on the O-Line grenade, allowing Brown to play full-time D Line for the majority of the rest of the game.
Adams saw time on Special Teams in the 1st half (and would in the 2nd half, too) and was put in the backfield on O as well. Vincent, the unfortunate recipient of the 2011 Underutilized Intensity All Star Award, saw no action prior to the locker room break. She was used a lot more in the 3rd and 4th quarters—mostly on Special Teams and Defense—picking up a solo tackle and three tackle assists. She only ran the ball once, a 3 yard gain courtesy of her fast feet (the blocking on that play was not exactly tremendous)--given the challenges the East had with running the ball (many of their carries were for negative yards), perhaps Vinny could have be given the ball more often . . . Showing her well-rounded skill set, she had a couple of nice blocking pickups against beastly blitzing Western players, too.
Adams (one tackle assist) chipped in with a good block or two. While Brown (one solo tackle) and Bruce (one solo and three tackle assists) were big parts of the East’s D pitching a shutout. Brown was the consummate space eater in the middle of the line and Bruce’s coverage skills and willingness and ability to come up and stop the run helped keep the West’s O unable to gain any traction.
Just as the previous Intensity envoys to the All Star Game have reported, so said the 2011 All Stars that participating in this event is a tremendous experience. The opportunity to be on the field with the league’s best and, perhaps more notably, the chance to interact with other team’s players (especially rivals) in an non-adversarial environment, really is quite rewarding. Players really should strive to be part of this fantastic game!
8.5.11
The Intensity Loses to Seattle in North American Championship
The New England Intensity lost a tough match with the Western Conference Champion Seattle Majestics 20-0 in Round Rock, Texas Saturday, July 30th.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald's Offense never really got traction, with the Majestics posessing the ball for a vast majority of the game (approximately 75%). Seattle's first score came with less than 5 minutes to play in the 1st quarter, a 55 yard run up the sideline. New England put themselves into position to answer in kind on their ensuing position, ending up all the way down to the 3 yard line of the Majestics, but came away with just a blocked field goal to show for it.
QB Rebecca Lopez connected on several passes to WR Tricia Donovan (first down catches of 20, 15, 18 and 35 yards) and others to TE Brenna Leveille and WR/DB Donna Bruce, totaling well over 100 yards. Unfortunately, the Blue's normally devastating running game was held to just 15 yards on 13 carries.
Seattle's methodical running game (they only passed once) created some very long drives for them after their first score. Specifically, they turned in drives of 8, 11, 9, 15, 11, 5 and 9 plays, with TDs coming on the 15 play and 9 play drives. The former with less than 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the latter with less than 2 minutes to play in the game. Even the stout and stingy defense of New England eventually began to fade down the stretch with such a lopsided time of possession to contend with.
LB/RB Lisa Vincent led the team with 4 solo tackles (she also had 6 tackle assists), and LBs Kate Miechkowski and Erica Adams tied for the team lead with 10 tackle assists (Adams had two solo tackles as well). LB Charlene Casey had a solo tackle and 9 tackle assists and DL Bri Giarrusso had 2 solo tackles and 8 tackle assists. DB Jojo Gauthier had 8 tackle assists and DE Bridget Cambria had 5 tackle assists and a fumble recovery. DB Andrea Covelli had two solo tackles and 4 tackles assists and fellow Cornerback Stacey "Hulk DeLuca also had two solo tackles to go with three tackle assists of her own.
The loss ended what was, by far, the most successful season the Blue has ever had (to this point :-) ). It also has lit quite a fire under the organization as a whole to work hard to prepare for 2012!!
7.28.11
The Intensity Wraps Up Championship Game Preparations, Heads to Austin!!
The Championship-bound New England Intensity concluded their two weeks of practice (at least their two weeks of practices in Massachusetts) and are making their way down to Austin/Round Rock, Texas for their match-up with the Seattle Majestics on Saturday, July 30th. Kickoff is at 10am, local time.
The Intensity Coaching Staff was very pleased at the effort and focus of the previous two weeks of practice and urged the squad to travel safely and arrive in the Lone Star state ready to work.
The game will be broadcast on Jeff Power TV and the staff and players of Intensity will be participating in several press conferences, interviews and photo shoots in the days leading up to the game.
Be sure to wish your favorite New England players and coaches good luck in this great event!
7.19.11
New England Heading to the Championship!!
The Intensity took their show on the road Saturday, 7/16/11, and locked horns with the big, bruising Chattanooga Locomotion. The undersized Blue squad, with cohesion and versatility, prevailed in a hard fought 20-0 win, propelling them to a first-ever Championship berth--to be held in Round Rock, Texas on Saturday, 7/30/11!
QB Rebecca Lopez threw TD passes to WR/DB Donna Bruce (an 11-yarder) and TE Brenna Leveille (a 31-yarder), while RB/LB Lisa Vincent ran for 121 yards on 6 carries, including a 45 yard TD and 4 first downs. Lopez, 7 f0r 19, 113 yards, also connected with WR Tricia Donovan for a 43 yard completion, the game's longest.
There were several standout performances on D as well, with the smaller Intensity team bravely holding their ground against the much larger power running home squad. Anchoring the effort was LB Charlene Casey, who shattered the franchise record she recently set for tackle assists in single game, notching an astounding 25!!
Other defensive standouts that weathered the punishing power run of the Locomotion (who, incidentally, had 63 rushes for 248 yards and 13 first downs) were Vincent (2 solo tackles and 13 tackle assists), LB Kate Miechkowski (1 solo and 14 tackle assists) Erica Adams (1 solo tackle and 12 assists), OL/DL Captain Jennifer "Coco" Edwards (10 tackle assists), and DL/OL Torrance Brown (3 solo tackles and 9 tackle assists). The last two players coming up huge in the middle against several players 100lbs + greater in size than they!
Line Coach Jim Callahan deserves a great nod as his Ladies really dug in for the long haul in this game, held their ground and did not allow themselves to be intimidated. There were lanes for the O to pass and run in and the D line had numerous outright excellent plays versus their larger counterparts across scrimmage.
Notable contributions were also turned in from OL/DL Lizwe Nondabula (8 tackle assists) and Rookie DL/OL Aimee Gauvin (5 tackle assists) and Jojo Gauthier (3 solo and 6 tackle assists). DE Bridget Cambria notched her 9th sack of the year and picked up 8 tackle assists. Versatile LB/RB Nikia Speed averaged over 5 yards per run on 7 carries and had 6 tackle assists.
"Eyes in the Sky" Coach Monty Ellison was his usual professional and proficient self, calmly passing along birds-eye perspective to his coaching mates on the sideline. And perhaps the busiest man during the game, Trainer Cliff Ashley did a great job keeping the players in the game, managing the heat and humidity quite well.
The Intensity will now commence immediately preparing for the North American Championship game in less than two weeks! Be sure to wish your favorite Intensity Player and/or Coach good luck!
Click here for Game Stats!
7.15.11
The Intensity Shoves Off for Chattanooga
After a very productive two weeks of practice and preparation, the Blue is heading south to Tennessee for their Eastern Conference Championship match up with the Chattanooga Locomotion this Saturday at 7pm. Be sure to get in touch with your favorite Intensity players and wish them luck!
7.9.11
New England Continues Preparations for Semi-Final Playoff Game
The Intensity has be diligently getting ready for their next match--to be held on July 16th at 7pm in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Be sure to support and encourage your favorite Intensity players and coaches!!
6.29.11
New England Makes History, Wins First Playoff Contest, Advances to Semi-Finals
Click here for game stats!
The New England Intensity, qualifying for their 4th consecutive post-season appearance (and 5th overall) by winning the regular season finale 2 weeks ago in Southern Maine hosted the Baltimore Nighthawks at Medway High School’s Hanlon Field Saturday evening, 6/25/11. They would emerge victorious for the first time in their playoff history—an impressive 25-0 win—in front of a crowd over several hundred supportive fans.
The sub-story to this great win was the hour-long weather (lighting) delay about 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. It was actually quite nice for the afternoon and early part of the evening before the potent storm moved in. Once the officiating crew called the teams back out of the locker rooms to the field, the lighting was gone but the heavy rain lingered and made for very wet conditions for the players and fans alike.
The Nighthawks, a large, powerful team made the bus trip up from Maryland that morning/afternoon for the 7pm kickoff. It was a good thing that the game is decided on the playing field (and not based on how intimidating a team looks walking off the bus and into the locker room), as the visiting squad sure looked the part. They proved to be a very hard-hitting team—just ask any of the NE ball carries in the days that followed the game! However, the game, above all else, is about who scores more points. . . And on 6/25/11 it was the Intensity who refused to play tentative and, as a result, when the dust (err, rain, as it were) settled, they had outscored their opponents.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald’s offense was very effective, gaining 321 yards (238 rushing yards on 35 carries, and 83 passing yards on 8 completions—including a 21 yard TD pass from QB Rebecca Lopez to WR/DB Donna Bruce in the 1st quarter that really helped set the table for a diverse offensive attack, and 3 first down passes to TE Brenna Leveille). With Coach Monty Ellison up in the booth radioing down trends, tendencies and recommended adjustments, the O was a step ahead of the opposing D all game.
The O line (T Maia Goodall, Captain G Jennifer “Coco” Edwards, C Michelle Breden, G Lizwe Nondabula and Captain T Torrance Brown), particularly effective in pass protection, held up well against the large, aggressive linemen across scrimmage. Kudos to Line Coach Jim Callahan for getting the Meat fired up and playing well for this contest!
RB/LB Lisa Vincent continued to display amazing explosiveness running the ball, logging a franchise playoff record 168 rushing yards on 22 carries—including a back-breaking 57 yarder in the 4th quarter where she knifed through the defense and slammed the door on the game. LB/RB Nikia Speed chipped in 44 tough yards on 9 carries and WR/DB Tricia Donovan displayed her versatility by picking up 30 yards on two carries—both for first downs, and one of them a gutsy reverse on 3rd and 25 setting up the first score of the game one play later.
Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson had the D playing with it’s characteristic lethality, holding Baltimore to just 51 total yards (32 yards through the air on 3 for 28 passing, and 23 rushing yards on 20 carries), and 3 first downs (one via a pass, once on the ground, and one via an Intensity pass interference call). Again, Coach Ellison’s “eyes in the sky” provided valuable information to the D’s overall effort. Coach Johnson’s D logged it’s 5th shutout of the season in this match—a franchise record, beating out the 2009 and 2006 Intensity squads that logged 4 shutout wins those years!
LB/FB Erica Adams was all over the field, leading the team in both solo tackles (3) and tackle assists (10). She also recovered a fumble—a possession-saver in the visitor’s red zone. As impressive as her defensive play was her outstanding blocking as a fullback on offense, paving the way for her teammates carrying the ball. LB/FB Charlene Casey had 8 tackle assists, half a sack, and a fumble recovery as well. LB/RB Nikia Speed had two solo tackles, two tackle assists, half a sack, and a key (and violent) punt block/forced fumble in the endzone that teammate DL Bri Giarrusso recovered for a pivotal touchdown in the closing minutes of the first half to put NE up 12-0. Speed also had a bone-jarring hit on the Baltimore QB late in the 2nd quarter and actually forced the visiting player to leave the game for a short while. Giarrusso also had 4 tackle assists and half a sack. DE Bridget Cambria had four tackle assists and another sack (her 8th of the season). LB Kate Miechkowski notched 5 more tackle assists and a fumble recovery on a bobbled punt return that also allowed the Blue to retain possession inside the 20 of the Nighthawks.
Part of the reason for the Nighthawks passing woes was the defensive secondary for the Intensity . . . DB Jojo Gauthier had 3 passes defended to go along with her solo tackle, fellow DB Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca had a pass defended and an interception deep inside Baltimore territory, and LB/DB/RB Lisa Vincent returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown early in the 3rd quarter. This play was a dagger for the Nighthawks—they had just recovered a bobbled NE punt return near the 50 yard line and were hoping to capitalize on the great field position and get back in the game . . . no such luck. DL Nancy O’Loughlin, Donna Bruce and DL/OL Jennifer “Coco” Edwards each had 2 tackle assists, DL Riss Nardelli picked up three of her own in addition to a sack, and Leveille, DB Alie Powers and DL Lesley Lopes had one tackle assist apiece.
On the Special Teams side, the battle of field position was one that that New England decisively won—their average starting field position being the Baltimore 40, while the Nighthawks began their drives, on average, at their 30 yard line. It is worth noting that rookie Lola Kantak, having split the uprights on her PAT attempt, is currently 10 for 13 this year--she’s on pace to set a single season franchise record for PAT %. K Brenna Leveille averaged a noteworthy 38 yards per kickoff, including a 45 yarder. Tricia Donovan returned 3 punts for 43 yards, further assisting NE in their efforts to establish favorable field position.
This win, while outstanding for many reasons that include finally winning a playoff game and getting to advance on to the semi-finals, was far from a perfect game . . . The offense, in Fernald’s own words, left a lot of points on the field—losing the ball 3 times (two interceptions and a lost fumble) inside Baltimore the red zone—inside their 5 yard line, to be exact! There was also a turnover on downs inside the 5 yard line after DeLuca’s interception at the Nighthawk 6 yard line—though the fourth down play was a questionable no-call (possible pass interference on an attempted pass to Tricia Donovan). Coach Fernald and the rest of the staff will certainly be making every effort to tighten the ball control of the O!
With the Chattanooga Locomotion defeating the North Texas Knockouts in their quarterfinal game 24-20 (played in Tennessee the same night as this game), New England will pack up and head south to Chattanooga to square off against them on July 16th in the semifinals—the winner will move on to the Championship game to be played in Round Rock Texas on July 30th.
Interested in supporting the Intensity with a donation to help with the travel expenses of your favorite player or coach? Please feel free to contact Minority Owner/General Manager Ben Brown (bwbrown53@hotmail.com, 617 721 1406) or Majority Owner Tricia Donovan (tricia.donovan24@gmail.com, 401 323 0469) to make arrangements to do so!
6/27/11
2011 IWFL All-Stars Selections Announced!
The Independent Women's Football League (IWFL) has announced the player and coach selections for the 2011 All Star Game--to be held in Round Rock, Texas during the Championship weekend (7/30-7/31).
Once again, the Intensity fared quite well, with 100% of the team's nominations being selected (selection of nominees occurs as a result of receiving sufficient votes cast by opposing franchise's players and staff).
Congratulations to New England's 2011 All Stars:
Erica Adams, Torrance Brown, Donna Bruce, Charlene Casey, Lisa Close, Johnny Johnson, Brenna Leveille, Steph Samuelson, and Lisa Vincent.
6/26/11
New England Defeats Baltimore, 25-0, Advances to Semi-Finals!!
Congratulations to the entire Intensity Family for convincingly notching their first ever playoff victory (5th time's a charm!!) by beating the visiting Baltimore Nighthawks 25-0 at Hanlon Field on Saturday night--their 5th shutout of the season!
A spirited home crowd cheered the Blue on to the shutout win in what was a lightning-delayed night tilt in Medway. A special thanks to the fans that came out and braved the elements!!
QB Rebecca Lopez struck for a TD pass in the first quarter. Lisa Vincent picked off a Nighthawk pass and returned it for a long TD in the 2nd quarter to give the home squad a 12-0 lead. Bri Giarrusso recovered a ball in the Baltimore endzone in the 3rd before Mother Nature force the teams and fans off the field for about an hour about 3 minutes into the 3rd. Vincent broke a big run in the 4th to put it this one on ice.
The Intensity will face the Chattanooga Locomotion (who prevailed at home against the North Texas Knockouts 24-20 Saturday as well) in Tennessee on July 16th!
6.22.11
New England Prepares to Host Baltimore
The New England Intensity has been hard at work the last two weeks getting ready to host the Baltimore Nighthawks this upcoming Saturday, 6/25/11—7:30pm kickoff--at Medway High School’s Hanlon Memorial Field. The Intensity Coaching Staff has been busy installing game plans for this first-ever contest between the two squads.
A robust (and hopefully rowdy) crowd is expected to turn out for this summer evening tilt. The concession stand will be open serving dinner (hot dogs, burgers and pizza), so come on out and cheer on the Blue under the lights as they lock horns in this quarterfinal playoff matchup! The winner will advance to face the winner of the Chattanooga, Locomotion/North Texas Knockout game—also scheduled to be played on 6/25 (in Tennessee).
6.15.11
Intensity Throttles Southern Maine, Clinches Home Field For 1st Round of Playoffs
Click here for game stats!
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), closed out the 2011 regular season quite convincingly with a 41-0 rout of the beleaguered Southern Maine Rebels in Portland. After several unseasonably hot and humid days in the week prior, the Saturday afternoon tilt was played in cool, light rain that occasionally tapered to a drizzle.
The wet ball did not seem to much hamper the Intensity passing attack that was very much in balance with the ground attack (158 and 175 yards, respectively). Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald called a very efficient offense, keeping the host squad’s defense a step behind. QB Rebecca Lopez completed 7 of 13 passes for 134 yards and a TD (WR/DB/QB also completed two passes including a 2pt conversion and a TD). TE Brenna Leveille was the leading receiver for NE, corralling 5 passes—with a record-tying 2 TDs, a 2pt conversion, and a first down amongst her catches. WR/DB Donna Bruce hauled in two balls, a 28 and 47-yarder (she also had 3 tackle assists on special teams), and Donovan caught two passes of her own, one of them for a first down.
The running game of Intensity continued to evolve and be very effective—for the 2nd game in a row, the Blue went for 175 yards or more (they had only reached this mark once in the previous 5 games). Line Coach Jim Callahan had the O-Line firing off the ball (the blocking of the up-backs and receivers was noteworthy, too) as, in impressive fashion, four different New England running backs averaged 8 yards or more per carry—the first time all season this has happened, the previous best being just two players doing so in the same game. RB/LB Lisa Vincent gashed the Rebels for 97 yards, 2 TDs and four 1st downs on 12 carries. LB/RB Nikia Speed carried the ball four times for 36 yards, LB/FB Erica Adams had 21 yards on two carries, and WR/DB/QB Alex Montone had a 9 yard carry (she also had a 16 yarder called back by a penalty). LB/RB Jenn O’Connor carried the ball 7 times and a first down.
Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson’s aggressive D, the calling card of the 2011 Intensity, pitched it’s 4th shutout of the year. He, along with the “eyes in the sky” Coach Monty Ellison made sure that the Southern Maine attack never got much traction—moving the defensive chess pieces in stifling way such that the Rebels completed just 5 of 13 passes for 22 yards and picked up only 59 rushing yards on 32 carries. In fact, the home team never found itself inside the Intensity 35 until the closing seconds of the game. LB Charlene Casey set a new franchise record with 15 tackle assists. DB Jojo Gauthier and Adams each had interceptions returned for touchdown (54 and 43 yards, respectively), their second such return TDs of the 2011 season. Speed would end up 2nd on the team in total tackles in this contest and DL Bri Giarrusso would rack up 10 tackle assists (3 on special teams) of her own as well as a sack. LB Kate Miechkowski, rounding back into form quite well, had 2 solo tackles and 7 tackle assists. DE Bridget Cambria picked up half a sack, a solo tackle and 5 tackle assists. DL Lesley Lopes and DE Nancy O’Louhglin each were in on 4 tackles, and O’Conner, DB/WR Alie Powers and DB Julie Collette had 2 special teams tackle assists. DB Andrea Covelli also chipped in 3 tackles assists.
Of note on special teams was K Lola Kantak was 3 for 4 on PATs, a couple of which were booming kicks that would have been good from 30 yards or more! Donovan also had a 20 yard kickoff return and a 28 yard punt return.
The win, New England’s 9th straight over Southern Maine (the Intensity is 10-2 all-time against them), as mentioned early, cemented that the first round playoff game versus the Baltimore Nighthawks be held at Medway High School’s Hanlon Field. That game, the Blue’s 4th straight playoff appearance, will be held on Saturday, June 25th at 7:30pm. The Intensity will be, top-to-bottom, working hard to prepare for the formidable Nighthawks’ visit later this month, be sure to round up all of your friends and come cheer on the Intensity!
6.9.11
The Intensity Prepares for Regular Season Finale
The players and staff of New England have had a busy couple of weeks contending with rising temperatures and Pteradactyl-sized mosquitoes as they put the finishing touches on their game plan for the last game of the 2011 regular season--an afternoon contest this Saturday in Portland versus the Southern Maine Rebels.
New England hopes to have a very convincing showing this weekend as they will then have two weeks to prepare for their 4th consecutive trip to the post-season. The most likely opponent being the Baltimore Nighthawks, whom the Intensity has never before played. That game will be played on June 25th, the venue not yet determined as it will depend on how both teams fare in their final regular season games. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming match!
6.6.11
New England Announces 2011 All Star Nominations
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), announced it’s 2011 All-Star Nominations this week.
Football is the ultimate team sport, and no individual player can succeed without the hard work and effort of her teammates doing their jobs around her. So while the All Star game celebrates the achievements of individuals, it is, in reality, the celebration of those players entire teams that help put them in a situation to succeed.
As is the case every year, there are many more players and coaches deserving of nominations than league rules allow for each team to nominate. IWFL By-Laws stipulate that a number fewer than ~20% of a franchise’s player roster can be nominated for All Star selection. Furthermore, only one coach per team may be nominated in a given year.
The Intensity Staff provide their input on whom should receive nominations based on numerous factors that include (but are not limited to) on-field performance, being a team player, attendance, etc.
Nominated players and coaches are then selected based on votes received by players, coaches and delegates from around the league during the voting period that runs for approximately one week after the nominees are published. No member of a franchise may cast a vote for any member of it’s own franchise—in other words, a player or coach from the Intensity cannot vote for one of their teammates/coaches. The exception to this rule being the team’s league delegate can vote for players/coaches on their respective teams.
The All-Star game, pitting the eastern conference players versus their western conference counterparts will take place during the Championship weekend (July 30/31) in Round Rock, Texas. The game, for the last two seasons, has been a full-contact affair that has showcased the best players in the country (it had previously been either a non-contact game or just an administrative honor with no game of any type played). It is a great honor to be selected to participate in this event as typically fewer than 10% of all IWFL players suit up for this contest.
The Intensity’s 2011 Nominees are (in alphabetical order):
LB/FB Erica Adams. First nomination. 4th on team in total tackles, 3rd in sacks, 3rd in interceptions. Excellent blocking FB.
DT/OL Torrance Brown. First nomination. Two-way starter on the line. Leads all DT in solo tackles, 2nd in tackle assists.
DB/WR Donna Bruce. 2006 All Star. Leads team receiving yards. Leads all DBs in solo tackles, 2nd on team in interceptions.
LB/FB Charlene Casey. 2010 All Star. Leads team in tackle assists, 2nd on team in total tackles.
DE Lisa Close. First nomination. Despite missing a game and a half due to injury, she is 5th on the team in total tackles and 2nd in sacks. Leads all DEs in solo tackles and tackle assists.
TE/K/DE Brenna Leveille. 2010 All Star. Leads team in 1st down receptions, widely-regarded by the staff to be the best blocker on the team and overall most versatile player. Also averaging over 31 yards per kickoff.
RB Steph Samuelson. 3-time All Star (2008-2010). Leading team in rushes, rushing yards, rushing TDs and rushing 1st downs. Averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
LB/RB Lisa Vincent. 2-time All Star (2008, 2010). Leads team in total tackles and special teams tackles. 2nd on team in rushing yards.
Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson. First nomination. The Defense is allowing just 7.6 points per game, on pace to be lowest such amount in franchise history.
Congratulations to this year’s nominees! Our fingers are crossed that each of you are selected to participate in the All Star Game!
6.3.11
Smorgasbord of Game Photos, courtesy of Dave Bruce...
Brenna Leveille kicking off with Andrea Covelli (#35) and Nikia Speed (#44) running down to cover the kick.
Lisa Close (#11), Bri Giarrusso (#12) and Lisa Vincent (#17) close in on the running back.
Donna Bruce extends to make a catch!
Riss Nardelli (#42), Lesley Lopes (#79) and T Brown (#69).
Michelle Breden (#62) and Donna Bruce (on ground) wrap up the Manchester returner with Lisa Vincent closing in.
Nikia Speed (#33) runs the ball with Charlene Casey (#34) out front blocking.
Riss Nardelli punting.
6.1.11
The Intensity Returns to Work, Prepares for Southern Maine
The Blue, fresh off the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, returned to the practice field Tuesday night. Tops on the agenda for New England is beginning preparation for the final regular season match--a 6/11/11 afternoon tilt in Portland versus the Southern Maine Rebels. The Intensity has won both contests between these two franchises this season; however, the organization is not taking anything for granted as this game is very important to New England--winning it greatly improves the likelihood of the Intensity hosting their first round playoff game on 6/25.
5.23.11
New England Rises to the Occasion on the Road, Wins 7-0, Locks Up 4th Consecutive Playoff Berth
Click here for Game Stats!
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), had a real gut-check of a game—an away contest in Manchester. Missing Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson (who’s son was born Monday morning following the game) and a few key starters, the Blue went into the hostile environs of West High School to face a very motivated Freedom squad fighting for their lives, eager to avenge a loss to the Intensity earlier this season and throw a major monkey wrench in New England’s post-season plans.
The game, from it’s outset, was a defensive struggle with both teams knotted at 0-0 at the end of each of the first three quarters. The Intensity D was especially impressive, forcing three-and-outs on each of the home team’s first three possessions, holding them to just 3 positive offensive yards in the entire first quarter. Things did not get much better at the start of the 2nd quarter for the Freedom offense, as the Blue D held strong on 4th and 3 near midfield, with DL Bri Giarrusso (9 tackle assists, .5 sacks) and LB/RB Nikia Speed (3 solo tackles and 6 tackle assists) stuffing the ball carrier causing a turnover on downs.
Other defensive standouts for the New England were: LB Kate Miechkowski, seeing the first major action since her recent return to the team, had 8 tackle assists. LB Erica Adams, often run away from by Manchester, still logged 2 solo tackles and 3 tackle assists. And DBs Jojo Gauthier (2 big passes defended), Andrea Covelli (1 solo, to tackle assist and a pass defended), and Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca (1 of each) played well, overall, against the pass--surrendering just 2 completions on 15 attempts for 33 yards. The D also gave up fewer than 3 yards per carry on the ground.
New England’s offense was not much better than Manchester’s was in the first half, gaining just 29 positive yards through their first six possessions. It was not until their final possession that they were able to link together more than one significant play in a drive--Speed doing her best impression of a wrecking ball, running the ball like Earl Campbell (moving the pile several yards after contact by keeping her legs pumping), and rattling off tough runs of 22 and 6 yards in the closing minutes of the half.
The two teams traded ineffective offensive possessions (with LB/RB Lisa Vincent—2 solo, 9 tackle assists, DL/P Riss Nardelli—7 tackle assists, and Giarrusso not allowing the host team’s offense get any traction). Manchester’s 2nd possession of the 3rd quarter was hampered by a big play—a sack by DE Bridget Cambria (she had a new team record 4 on the day, to go along with a solo tackle, 4 tackle assists, and a forced fumble) on 3rd down, forcing a punt that the versatile Brenna Leveille (2 solo tackles, 2 tackle assists and a sack) got a hand on.
The visitor’s would take to the air on the next possession, as Rookie QB Alex Montone connected with WR/DB Donna Bruce (2 solo tackles, 3 tackle assists) for a 24 yard completion. Unfortunately, the ensuing three plays resulted in an Intensity holding penalty and two pass attempts that were off the mark.
Stand-in Defensive Coordinator LB Charlene Casey (on the headset with Coach Ellison during offensive sets) had the Blue D humming quite well, doing her best to align the adjust the D during the game. She had 2 solo tackles and 4 tackle assists in the game and helped lead to another three and out by the Freedom. Manchester’s punt was returned 21 yards by WR Tricia Donovan, giving the Intensity decent field position (1st and 10 from their 41). Unfortunately, NE fumbled (and lost) the ball on their first down play—a reverse during which the runner looked quite down, however the referees did not agree.
Manchester found a groove, starting at the Intensity 42, they ran the ball 9 straight times spanning the end of the 3rd and start of the 4th quarters. They moved all the way to the NE 6 yard line (where it was then 4th and 3). In the spirit of “bend don’t break” DL/OLs Torrance Brown (2 solo and 3 tackle assists) and Maia Goodall stood tall in the middle, dropping the runner and forcing the fumble that Goodall recovered at the 5 yard line where the Intensity took over possession.
This inspiring defensive stand motivated the offense as, despite the unlikely start point of the drive (the NE 5), the visitors got a little breathing room via Speed (12 rushes, 52 yards), who bowled her way to the out to the 20 on 3 consecutive carries. Rebecca Lopez, in at QB, narrowly missed Bruce on a streak route,. Vincent then made the play of the game…following some very effective blocking up front, she found a seam on the left side, got to the 2nd level, and outran EVERYBODY 80 yards to the endzone, breaking the stalemate with barely 8 minutes remaining in the game.
Vincent, even as busy as she was on defense, stepped up in a big way and would end the day with an amazing 148 yards on 12 carries.
Center Michelle Breden launched a perfect snap (something she had been doing all day) to holder Donovan and Rookie K Lola Kantak split the uprights (and then some) to put NE up 7-0. It is worth noting that Kantak, as well as Breden and Rookie Kate Schoenen, each had 2 Special Teams tackle assists (Breden with a solo one as well).
There was no time for the Intensity to celebrate, as the tenacious Freedom team would do their best to respond with a score of their own. After the kickoff, they would begin their drive at their 40 yard line. 6 plays later, that included a reverse pass that went for 35 yards, they were 2nd and 3 from the Intensity 4. The D, with the mettle of true warriors, held their ground---they even pushed Manchester back, right off their season!!! Bown jammed the ball carrier for a one yard loss on 2nd down, then Cambria sacked the QB for a 7 yard loss on 3rd and followed that up with a 3 yard tackle for loss on 4th down, giving NE the ball back with the lead and fewer than 3 minutes remaining in the game.
New England’s resurgent offense took advantage of the clearly-deflated Freedom defense, with Vincent picking up several 9-yard carries, picking up the necessary first downs to keep the chains and the clock moving, thereby allowing Lopez to take a knee and end the game. The Blue ran for 193 yards, indicative of some great blocking by the line (and the TE and WRs) and some great efforts by the ball carriers!
The narrow, hard-fought victory was the 7th consecutive time New England has beaten Manchester, and the win, as previously mentioned, locks up the 2nd playoff spot from the division for the Intensity. This will be New England’s 4th consecutive season of post-season play, the longest current streak of any team in the region. They will be off until the 6/11/11 game up in Portland where they will close the regular season with a matchup versus the Southern Maine Rebels.
5.17.11
The Blitz Execute Better Than New England, Win 30-0
Click here for stats.
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), did not have their best collective effort on 5/14 versus the 2010 Champion Montreal Blitz, falling 30-0 in front of a home crowd that was doing it’s best to urge their team on to victory.
The halftime margin was only 12-0. The Defense had held the line on a 1st and Goal, yielding no points, had an interception and a turnover on downs in the first half to keep the game within hailing distance. In fact, the sloppy play by New England (to that point, 3 interceptions, several penalties, etc.) was cause for optimism that if they righted the ship, the Blue would overcome the deficit and come away with a win.
No such luck, as the Offense continued to struggle—5 total interceptions, only 16 passing yards and 81 rushing yards on the day. The defense was playing in spirited fashion but Montreal thoroughly controlled the battle of field position (their average starting position was the Intensity 48), capitalizing on Intensity miscues …scoring on drives beginning at the NE 27, NE 5, NE 34, M 32 and NE 35.
There were a couple of noteworthy performances: DB Donna Bruce led the team with 5 solo tackles and had an interception she returned for 20 yards. Before injuring herself early in the 2nd quarter (she’d return later in the game) Captain DE Lisa Close had sack and forced fumble on 4th and Goal (that DL Bri Giarrusso recovered) from the 5 helping keep the visitors off the scoreboard on their game-opening 16 play drive, she’d finish the game with 4 tackle assists. LB Erica Adams had 4 solo tackles, 5 tackle assists, a pass defended and a few tough inside runs. LB Charlene Casey led the squad with 9 tackle assists (as well as a bone jarring solo tackle) and fellow inside LB Nikia Speed chipped in with 5 tackle assists of her own). LB Lisa Vincent had two passes defended, 3 solo tackles and 6 tackle assists. CB Stacey DeLuca had a pass defended, 2 solo tackles and 6 tackle assists.
The most important stat (Win or Loss) belonged to Montreal though . . . Their balanced attack (they attempted 36 passes, completing 21 of them for nearly 200 yards and rushed for over 100 yards) exploited misalignments and other subtle errors by NE. This win for Montreal effectively sewed up the top spot in the division (and one of the two playoff berths that will come from this division).
New England’s coaching staff will now be hard at work getting the squad focused on the next game, an away tilt this upcoming Saturday, 5/21/11, at Manchester. A lot rides on this game . . . a win by the Intensity all but assures them of a fourth-straight trip to the post-season . . . a loss will put them in a dead-heat tie with Manchester . . .
Stay tuned to see how the Blue responds!!!!
5.9.11
Intensity Readying Themselves for Divisional Showdown
The New England Intensity, sitting at 3-1 halfway through the regular season, is in the middle of preparing for a HUGE divisional contest versus the front-running, defending champion, Montreal Blitz this upcoming Saturday, 5/14/11.
The coaching staff has been hard at work on the game plans and the players have been diligently sponging up this information.
Kickoff is 4pm at Medway High School’s Hanlon Memorial Field, come cheer on the Blue in what promises to be one heck of a game!!
5.1.11
The Intensity Wins Again!!
Click here for game stats.
Click here for photos.
The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), won game 4 of the 2011 season, 27-7 over the Manchester Freedom at Hanlon Field, pushing their record to 3-1. It was hardly a perfect game, with a couple of inopportune penalties by both squads. The Intensity had some issues with dropping the ball…notably, three consecutive fumbles in the offensive backfield in a row, the third of which being recovered by Manchester. There was also a rare fumbled punt return (that Manchester also recovered) and a near fumble on a Freedom kickoff that went short and was almost scooped up by the visitors.
On the bright side, Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson’s defense continued it’s stingy ways, holding the visitors to just 121 total yards (9 for 24 passing with 47 yards through the air and 74 yards on 27 carries). For the 3rd time in 4 games, the Blue’s D scored—another interception returned for a touchdown, this time a 43-yarder by LB Erica Adams, the game’s Defensive MVP. Adams, in addition to that back breaking play, had 3 tackle assists and 2 sacks at key times in the game stifling Manchester’s drives. She would also provide a couple of solid runs and several punishing blocks from her Fullback position.
There were several other noteworthy performances on Defense . . . LB/DB Lisa Vincent led the squad with 4 solo tackles and 9 tackle assists, she also defended one pass. LB Charlene Casey, ever-present in the middle, had 2 solo tackles and 9 tackle assists. Captain DE Lisa Close had 9 tackle assists and numerous hurries/near sacks causing substantial disruption to the Freedom’s offense. Her counterpart on the other side of the D Line, Bridget Cambria, had several hurries of her own as well as 6 tackle assists and half a sack. DT Bri Giarrusso, back from a shoulder injury, had 6 tackle assists and half a sack. DB Jojo Gauthier and LB Nikia Speed each had a solo tackle and 5 tackle assists, with Gauthier picking off her 4th pass of the season, returning it 35 yards. Captain DT Torrance Brown had 4 tackle assists at her time in the interior rotation on the line, as did Riss Nardelli. DB Andrea Covelli had a pass defended and two tackle assists.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald’s Offense took another step forward. QB Alex Montone was 5 for 10 for 58 yards, spreading the ball around to 4 different receivers and no interceptions. WR Tricia Donovan hauled in two first down passes, one a circus catch inside the 5 yard line of Manchester on 4th down with several defenders around her. TE Brenna Leveille and WR Donna Bruce also caught first down passes.
Captain RB Steph Samuelson had another one of her All-Star performances, rushing for 134 yards on 25 carries, including 6 first downs and 3 TDs. Line Coach Jim Callahan’s O-Line was again the aggressor at scrimmage, preventing Montone from being sacked and shoving the Freedom defenders out of the way for 150 total yards on the ground for NE. LB/RB Jenn O’Connor and LB/FB Erica Adams each ran the ball well on 3 and 4 carries, respectively, picking up one first down apiece.
On Special Teams, the coverages have again been above average (with Manchester averaging fewer than 10 yards per return on kickoffs and less than 1.5 yards per punt return). Donna Bruce had three tackle assists on Special Teams, and Lisa Vincent had two solo tackles and one tackle assist on Specials as well. The kicking and punting were thoroughly average (32.4 yards per kickoff and 23.4 yards per punt), while the Intensity returners continued to underperform (5 yards per kickoff return and 2 yards per punt return).
Clearly there is much improving still to do for the Intensity this season . . . but to be sitting at 3-1 halfway through the regular season, playing far from their best (though progressing a little each week), New England is not displeased with where they are in the standings, just determined to raise the level of their play.
The Intensity now will enjoy a bye week to prepare for a monumental contest on May 14th at home versus the 2010 Champion Montreal Blitz—whom the Blue has not defeated since 2005. The close game between the teams during week 2 this season (Montreal winning 14-0) when the Intensity offense was completely out of sync, and missing fully one fourth of the squad, has New England firmly believing they can prevail! Not to mention the hard core game planning on the part of Coach Fernald and his staff during these two weeks leading up to this game--be sure to come cheer on the Blue!!
4.29.11
New England Wraps Up It's Preparation for Game 4.
The New England Intensity completed a solid week of practice for their upcoming home contest with long-time border rival Manchester Freedom this Saturday, 4/30/11 (4pm kickoff). The weather promises to be outstanding, so be sure to come out and cheer on the Blue in this very important mid-season divisional matchup!
4.27.11
Tightening Things Up for Game 4!
Coach Fernald and his staff put the team through an up-tempo session Thursday night, going over the game plans for Saturday's tilt versus Manchester.
Click here for pictures from the practice.
4.27.11
Solid All-Around Practice on 4/26/11!
With a huge mid-season matchup on tap versus Manchester looming, the Intensity had a solid practice (with film review, offense and defense all getting covered).
Click here for pictures from the practice8
4.26.11
The Intensity Rolls in Their Home Opener, 34-0!
Click here for game stats.
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), held their home opener last Saturday, 4/23/11. Their foe, the Southern Maine Rebels (whom NE defeated in week 1 18-0) were eager to upset the host squad, buoyed by having held the Intensity scoreless in the 2nd half of their first meeting and having just enjoyed a bye week. Additionally, New England, recently defeated in close contest in foul weather by the 2010 Champion Montreal Blitz, was, to say the least, in a state of moderate disarray during that game.
The somewhat lackluster performance by the under-manned Intensity team north of the border last week (they were without 8 players and one coach) was met by a renewed sense of purpose and urgency—largely due Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald and his staff cracking the whip a bit more than normal during the preceding two practices.
The results sure seemed favorable . . . First and foremost, the Intensity won convincingly, putting 34-0 points on the board in the first three quarters (the referees ran the clock in the 4th quarter with the consent of both Head Coaches). Much to the delight of the many NE fans that braved the rain and cool temps to come root on their team!
The up-and-down offensive line was much more “Up” in this game, paving the way for 231 total yards of rushing (including 3 rushing TDs), no sacks allowed, and a passing TD—contrast this to the previous game against Southern Maine where NE had just 154 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD, and in their game versus Montreal last week the Blue managed just 22 TOTAL yards of offense and surrendered 3 sacks.
Kudos to Line Coach Jim Callahan and his O-Line: C Michelle Breden, Guards Captain Coco Edwards and Captain Torrance Brown, and tackles Maia Goodall and Lizwe Nondabula! Here’s to hoping they continue to be violent, aggressive and make strides improving!! Also helping the cause was the return of 2010 All-Star TE Brenna Leveille, who picked up right where she left off, making a great catch and getting several yards after contact up the middle and being very effective in her blocking assignments.
The noteworthy play up front on O translated into great games for the ball carriers…Captain RB Steph Samuelson averaged nearly 10 yards per carry in this game, ending the day with over 160 yards and 6 first downs. Donovan would pick up 13 yards on a run early in the game, Montone and O’Connor would chip in 21 yards each with their efforts, and fullbacks Charlene Casey and Erica Adams chugged ahead for 8 and 7 yards, respectively, in single carries later in the game as well.
On the defensive side of the ball, the team continues to evolve, progress and further embody the personality of firey (and knowledgeable) Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson. It was the 2nd consecutive shut out of the Rebels by NE, and compared to the first game when the big, punishing rushing attack for Maine rattled off over 140 yards on the ground, they picked up just 67 yards (on 25 carries—a 2.7 yards per carry average) this go-around. The physical play by the interior D line (Brown, Edwards, Goodall, Nondabula, DL/OL Lesley Lopes--career high 4 solo tackles, and Rookie DL/OL Aimee Gauvin) were important parts to this stingy NE defense.
The New England pass defense was equally stout, coming up with an interception return for a TD by DB/LB Lisa Vincent (also the team leader in solo tackles—3, and tackle assists—9). Intensity Hall of Famer DB Jojo Gauthier played a terrific game, recovering a fumble, picking up a big solo tackle and a tackle assist and defending a pass. Likewise, rock-steady DB Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca was a factor in the ineffective offense of the Rebels, covering her receivers quite well and making one solo and one tackle assist.
There was all-around excellent play by the linebackers (Charlene Casey—1 solo tackle, 9 tackle assists and a forced fumble; Erica Adams—6 tackle assists; Andrea Covelli—4 tackle assists; and Jenn O’Connor—4 tackle assists and a rushing TD.
Defensive Ends Bridget Cambria and Captain Lisa Close each had 3 tackle assists and were an extreme nuisance to the visitor’s QB, constantly providing pressure from the edge. Nancy O’Louhglin chipped in two tackle assists of her own, and she, along with Kelly Hebert, both filling in for Close who collided with Vincent when attempting to block a punt (both players were shaken up but did eventually return to action) got several reps on D.
The play of QB Alex Montone took a step forward as well, as she completed several passes to several receivers including a long touchdown strike to WR/DB Tricia Donovan, first downs to WR/DB Donna Bruce (who is averaging 30 yards per reception this year and had a pass defended in this game) and TE/K Brenna Leveille. She also had a successful 2 point conversion (to Donovan). Alex scampered nearly 30 yards for a TD of her own, her first such run of the season. Some technical adjustments by Coaches Monty Ellison and Johnson have really begun to pay dividends with the QB! She threw for more yards in this game than the previous two combined, avoided being sacked and did not fumble nor throw an interception.
First-year Intensity player Julie Collette got her first mark on the stat sheet this season, a special teams tackle assist—another area NE excelled in this game, holding the Rebels to less than 6 yards per kickoff return with an average starting position of their own 32 yard line (compared to the Intensity’s average starting position of their own 43). Rookies Jen Lewis and Kate Schoenen also notched tackle assists, and Rookie K/WR/DB Lola Kantak scored her first points as an Intensity player—splitting the uprights on two XPAs, congrats to her on that achievement (and here’s to many more)!
The coaching staff will be doing it’s level best to make sure this win over Southern Maine is a spring board for the remainder of the season! Now 2-1, the Intensity will get right back to work in preparation for a very important game this weekend upcoming versus the new-look Manchester Freedom. Manchester played Montreal tough in their first game of the year (losing just 12-6) and then went on to defeat the New Jersey Justice (now an out-of-league team that had qualified for post-season play each of the previous two years in the IWFL) 8-0 at home. The long-time rivals will square off at 4pm on Saturday, 4/30/11, at Hanlon Field. Be sure to come cheer the Intensity on!
4.22.11
New England prepares for rematch with Southern Maine.
A solid week of practice for the Blue has them geared up for their 3rd game of the season (and home opener) Saturday afternoon! The Rebels from Southern Maine will be making the trip to Medway High to face the Intensity in what is forecast to be a blustery wet day and a tough, physical match between the squads!
Be sure to come cheer on the Intensity as they look to pick up their 2nd win of the 2011 season! Kickoff is at 4pm!
4.20.11
Offensive Tweaking!!
The coaching staff spent some quality time focusing on smoothing out the offense last night in preparation for this weeks' game.
Click here for pictures from the practice.
4.19.11
New England loses at tough one to the Blitz, 14-0, in the driving wind and sleet.
Click here for photos.
Click here for stats.
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), traveled to our northern neighbors for the second game of the 2011 season--versus the 2010 Champion Montreal Blitz (who, incidentally, defeated the Intensity 53-14 in a playoff game last season). Predictably, the weather was less-than-average, with continuous freezing rain/sleet and 15+ mph winds. In a much closer contest the one between these teams about 10 months ago, New England lost 14-0, the defense playing a very spirited game while the offense sputtered.
Missing about 1/3rd of the roster due to a variety of reasons (work, injury, family commitments, etc.) the Blue nonetheless worked hard to prepare for this match, responsibly arriving the day prior in Montreal and holding a very productive team meeting the morning of the game.
Rookie Lola Kantak was pressed into service for the opening kickoff as the two ahead of her on the depth chart for kicking were not able to make the trip. She did a serviceable job with the usual cast of characters well-covering the kick (DB/LB Lisa Vincent, and DE’s Lisa Close and Bridget Cambria).
The high-flying offense of the Blitz, who went undefeated last season, have been to the Championship game three straight seasons, winning twice (2008 and 2010), started to gain a little traction in the bad weather before Captain DE Lisa Close, easily the Defensive MVP of the game (team-leading 3 solo tackles, 7 tackle assists, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and several hurries) had one of her sacks and her forced fumble on a 3rd down play in NE territory, forcing the host squad to punt.
The Intensity offense never really found it’s groove in this game. Held to lows that approach all-time records for passing and rushing yards, and surrendering 3 sacks, Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald will be very busy in the upcoming practices righting the ship when the Blue has the ball.
Other standout performances on defense included LB Charlene Casey (1 solo and 7 tackle assists), DL Bri Giarrusso (7 tackle assists—all in the first half before she injured her shoulder), Captain DT/OL Torrance Brown seeing increased time on defense and producing --1 solo, 6 tackle assists, LB Nikia Speed (2 solo and 4 tackle assists), DB/LB Lisa Vincent (2 solo and 6 tackle assists), Cambria (1 batted ball, 3 tackle assists, half a sack and several hurries), DB Jojo Gauthier (3 tackle assists and a pass broken up by a huge hit), DB Donna Bruce (1 INT, 2 solo tackles, 2 tackle assists and half a sack), OT/DT Maia Goodall (1 solo and 3 tackle assists) and LB Jenn O’Connor (3 tackle assists and an ever-expanding knowledge of and contribution to the overall defensive effort).
Coach Johnson’s defense, as a whole, held the Blitz offense to just 4 for 15 passing and 43 yards, and 33 rushes for 109 yards (3.3 yards per carry average). A noteworthy effort to say the least, especially considering that the NE offense had just 37 plays. In fact, Montreal’s first TD was off a fake FG and their second one was on the heels of a three-and-out by NE (that included runs for -5 and -2 yards and a 10 yards loss on a sack), the punt due largely to a low snap going just 10 yards and teeing up Montreal 1st and 10 from the Intensity 25.
On another positive note, Gauthier, having to assume the punting duties in this game, would punt 6 times, including a franchise record-breaking 59 yarder (shattering her previous record by 13 yards)! The rest of her punts were not nearly as spectacular as this one; however, the coverages were good (only one punt was returned and that for just 9 yards).
With their record now at an even 1-1, the Intensity will now look to further sharpen their defense and get their offense on track. Up next for the Blue is their home opener versus the Southern Maine Rebels, whom they beat on the road in week 1. The Rebels, a big, physical squad to begin with, are coming off a bye week and will have had two full weeks to game plan for New England, so this promises to be an exciting game!!
4.15.11
The Intensity Prepares for Montreal
A productive week of practice wrapped up Thursday evening, with the finishing touches on the game plans being made. The squad will make the voyage north of the border to lock horns with long-time rival Montreal Blitz, last season's Tier II Champion.
4.11.11
The Intensity Wins Their Season Opener!
Congratulations to the squad for getting off on the right foot, and to the game day MVPs Jojo Gauthier and Steph Samuelson--both setting new franchise records in the win (Jojo w/ three interceptions and Steph with a 75 TD run)!
2011 Opening Kickoff
Click here and here for photos from the game!
Many photos courtesy of Steve Gauvin.
Click here for a printable version of this article.
Visit the Stats (by Year) page for game 1 statistics.
The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), began their 2011 campaign with an 18-0 road victory in Portland against long-time foe Sothern Maine. Mother Nature would largely cooperate, serving up a sunny breezy afternoon with temperatures around 50 degrees (not bad for Maine in early April).
The hosting squad put forth a very motivated, tough effort, actually playing the Intensity to a tie in the 2nd half (after surrendering 18 points in the 1st half). The victory for NE was their 7th straight over the Rebels, during which time the Blue has outscored Southern Maine 224-13.
Much of the acrimony that had grown from a simmer to a rolling boil over the course of the 2010 season between Southern Maine and New England seemed to have dissipated over the course of the off-season, occasional facebook chest thumping (and misspellings) aside.
It is worth noting that the normally-atrocious officiating that has become synonymous with playing on the road in Portland was not the case at all during this game . . . Rather, quite surprisingly, a fair and relatively foul-free game took place—with only 6 accepted penalties all afternoon (2 on the Rebels, 4 on NE). Both teams, coaching staffs, and fans noticed and enjoyed the difference!
A rather challenging off-season and pre-season for the Intensity (with many comings and goings, weather/illness/scheduling obstacles, and on-going personal matters weighing heavily on numerous key members of the franchise) came to a welcome end at 5pm on April 9th, with the regular season for New England officially beginning by way of the Southern Maine Rebels squibbing the kickoff to rookie TE Kate Schoenen (pronounced Shay-ninn), who scooped it up and advanced 5 yards in the right direction before being tackled. She, along with several rookies and free agents, would be slightly out of uniform for this game—the Intensity uniform order encountering shipping delays—and be forced to wear old Intensity game jerseys, borrow ones from injured players and even spray paint (or silk screen) a number on the back of a practice jersey. A little low-rent to be sure, but as the old marketing slogan goes “It’s what’s inside that counts.”.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald, the all-time winningest coach in franchise history, back for his 3rd consecutive season, was one such individual who’s return was largely in question for much of the off-season and pre-season. All of Intensity Nation is exceedingly happy and enthused he has remained at the helm! With the Offensive Line coming off of a couple good practices courtesy of Coach Jim Callahan, and with the Intensity's eyes in the sky (Coach Monty Ellison), Fernald had QB Alex Montone come out firing on first down . . . unfortunately the pass fell incomplete.
All-world RB Steph Samuelson (a 3-time All-Star coming off of her best season ever—amassing 1207 yards and 17 rushing TDs in 9 games last year), recently elected as Team Captain for the 4th consecutive season, picked up right where she left off, slashing her way to a 10 yard gain on 2nd down. An inopportune holding call negated this effort of Steph’s. She would get 4 of those yards back on the next play, but the 3rd and long pass attempt of Montone’s slipped out of her had a little on the release, missing her mark by a mile. Old friend Riss Nardelli, returning to the team she began her career with (Riss played for NE from 2005-2007, before spending three years playing in New York), came on to punt on 4th down, sending the ball 29 yards past scrimmage. Quick on the coverage was 2010 Defensive MVP Lisa Vincent and rookie Jen Lewis met the ball carrier and tackled her for zero return yards.
Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson’s D took the field, eager to get some play against a different color uniform! Vincent, knifed in on the first down run play, bringing down the runner 2 yards deep in the backfield. Promising 3rd year DT Bri Giarrusso, poised to have a phenomenal year after a great off-season, shed her block and stopped the Rebel RB for a short gain to bring up 3rd and long. A focus area for Coach Johnson’s defensive scheme has been to well-defend the pass . . . and this focus bore fruit early, with Intensity Hall of Famer DB Jojo Gauthier making her first of three interceptions, this one tipped by 2nd year LB Erica Adams.
Montone came back out firing, connecting with the versatile Gauthier for a 7 yard pickup that was nullified by another holding call on NE. Montone gained three yards with her feet on the next play, but over threw a 2nd and long pass intended for Samuelson. She was more accurate on the 3rd down attempt, but Donovan, clearly interfered with on the deep route, did not get the call, and the Intensity would have to punt again. Nardelli uncorked another 29 yard punt (it is worth noting that free agent Center Michelle Breden—who played in Maine for the previous several seasons—had a very good day snapping, especially long snaps and shot guns) that Vincent and Adams covered well (Vincent drilling the returner, causing the ball to come loose, and Adams tackling the Southern Maine player who hopped on the ball).
Newly-elected Team Captain DE Lisa Close (1 solo and 5 tackle assists) and Vincent combined for tackle that held the Rebel first down run to a mere 2 yards. However, the hosts dialed up a 10 yard run with their massive FB before DB/LB Andrea Covelli (playing in her first game since a season-ending injury in the 2010 opener—also versus against Southern Maine) and Vincent. This gain was all but erased with a 7 yard tackle for loss by LB Charlene Casey (2 solo and a team-leading 11 tackle assists) and Vincent. The 2nd down pass was nearly intercepted by Covelli. Casey and Giarrusso (team-leading 3 solo and 9 tackle assists) slammed the door on 3rd down, forcing up 4th and long and another punt from the Rebels. Close, with her impressive speed, effort and athleticism, found a way to get a hand on the punt and deflected it out of bounds after traveling only 10 yards past scrimmage. As an aside, NE did a great job winning the field position battle, their average starting position for the day being midfield, while Maine’s was their own 35.
Hall of Famer Samuelson, who would finish the day with 142 yards on 17 carries (including 3 first downs and a TD), scampered for 12 yards on first down to the SMR 30. Bad blocking hung WR Tricia Donovan out to dry on the ensuing reverse play, losing ground and bringing up 2nd and 13. Steph gained 4 yards on the next play, but Donovan was again hit down field during the pass route (and, again, no PI call from the officials). Fernald elected to go for it on 4th and 9, taking to the air and, with some great blocking on the left side by Captain OL/DL Coco Edwards picking up two Rebel players that bought Montone time to launch a pass to WR/DB Donna Bruce (another huge free agent signing), who’s wily veteran effort extended the ball just over the goal line as she fought with Rebel defenders to score the Intensity’s first TD of 2011! Nardelli’s PAT was low and the score remained 6-0 with 1 minute remaining in the 1st quarter.
A relatively short kick by Nardelli was well covered by Vincent and Donovan who held Southern Maine to another zero-yard return. The home squad, always a big and physical bunch, did find some traction with their power running game (ending up with 142 yards on 41 carries), especially early on this drive. Consecutive runs of 9, 19, and 11 yards moved them to inside the Intensity 25 and had the hosts thinking they were about to match NE’s score. Giarrusso came up big on the next two plays, combining with veteran DE Nancy O’Loughlin for solid stop on 1st down and then getting a solo tackle for loss ond 2nd down. The Rebels fumbled on the exchange but were able to recover the ball; however, they now faced 4th and 10. Rather than attempt a long field goal, Maine tried to pass for a first down . . . in hindsight, a poor decision, as Gauthier picked off the QB again and returned it 25 yards.
In a very underwhelming series, Samuelson somehow fought through three attempted tackles in the backfield as the blocking broke down and managed to get a yard on the 1st down run. She was tackled, literally, by her shoestrings on 2nd down---there was a lot of green ahead of her. There was not much of a hole for her on 3rd down and Fernald decided to punt on 4th and 4 from the NE 41. Gauthier downed Nardelli’s short punt at the SMR 43.
OL/DL Torrance Brown, for the first time since 2005 was neither pregnant nor injured (or both) during the preseason, found herself a new Team Captain for 2011 and playing DT on this 1st down play, fought off her block and drilled the RB right a scrimmage. The home team decided to try passing again . . . with the same result—a Gauthier interception! This one a record-breaking 56 yard return for a TD--pushing the score to 12-0, NEI, with 6:15 remaining in the first half. Suspect blocking again hurt NE as the 2pt run attempt by Samuelson was quite ineffective—she was drilled 2 yards behind scrimmage.
Nardelli unloaded a 37 yard kick that was returned 15 yards before Giarrusso brought down the ball carrier. A 14 yard 1st down run was the high point of this possession for the Rebels, as rookie DL/OL Aimee Gauvin and Giarrusso stood strong on the next play. Casey and 2010 Lineman of the Year?All Star Bridget Cambria did the same on 2nd and 6, with Vincent and Casey (also a 2010 All Stars) crashed the RB and forced a 4th and 3 and punt—which got a very favorable (for Maine) and debatable spot by the sideline official at the NE 10.
Montone, struggling with her accuracy, misfired on 1st down. Samuelson rattled off runs of 8 and 7 yards around the 2 minute warning. Donovan was open on 1st and 10 from the NE 25 but overthrown incomplete. In another record-setting effort, Samuelson bounced out to the left and out ran the entire Maine team (with some noteworthy blocking by LB/FB Erica Adams) for a 75 yard TD run! A nice defensive play by Southern Maine to break up the pass to Samuelson on the 2pt attempt kept the score at 18-0.
Free agent Jenn O’Connor and Gauthier (1 solo, 6 tackle assists to go along with her 3 pickles) tackled the kickoff returner with the 2nd quarter rapidly approaching it’s close. Giarrusso and Casey held the first down run attempt to a mere 2 yards, though Maine did gain 9 on 2nd down before O’Loughlin (3 tackle assists) and DB Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca stopped the RB. Adams (2 solo, 7 tackle assists), Close and Gauvin forced a 2nd and 7 with a solid run defense. This now, a predictable passing down, saw Cambria slice in for her first sack of the season (and move half of a sack ahead of teammate Charlene Casey for the franchise all-time lead). Consecutive incomplete passes by the home team turned the ball over on downs. Samuelson would get off an 8 yard run before the teams adjourned for halftime.
Fernald was generally pleased with the 18-0 lead the team had built, all things considered, but did call on the squad to reduce the mistakes and really put this game away, not giving Southern Maine the chance to think they can hang around and compete in the 2nd half.
The Intensity kicked off (a 35 yarder by Nardelli that Gauthier and Covelli covered after an 11 yard return to the SMR 36). Much to coaching staff’s chagrin, the Intensity did not appear to be heeding the halftime guidance of their Head Coach, surrendering an 8 play (all rushes) drive to start the 3rd quarter. The Rebels marched systematically down to within the NE 35. During this time, an injury scare with Nardelli (she was okay) took place after a punishing 6 yard run by Maine. On 1st and 10 from the NE 39, Gauvin tripped up the RB for a one yard gain, with O’Connor (1 solo and 6 tackle assists) and Vincent stuffing the run respectably and forcing a 3rd and 5. Adams and Close penetrated into the backfield and notched a one yard tackle for loss, brining up another punt for the home team. Nardelli and Brown assaulted the punt team and got their hands on the ball and NE would take over from their 42.
A drive that was looking very promising—starting with a 14 yard first down run by Samuelson, and two plays later, a 26 yard pass play from Montone to Samuelson—turned ugly quickly as Southern Maine got a lucky fist on the ball, knocking it loose and allowing the Rebels to recover the ball at their 29.
The Intensity had a strong defensive stand: With Gauthier coming up with a big solo tackle on first down, a penalty on Maine on the next play, followed by a 5 yard tackle for loss by Adams and Nardelli. Gauthier narrowly missed her 4th INT of the day on the 3rd and 14 pass attempt. The host team then punted and downed said punt at their 42, where NE’s offense would take over.
Fernald would chew some time off the clock on this drive, with several consecutive running plays . . . an 8 yard run by Samuelson on 1st down, then several runs by Montone (-1, 8 and 6 yards). Montone bobbled a snap on the next play, losing 6 yards as the 3rd quarter ended. On 3rd and 10 from the SMR 27, Samuelson was stopped barely 2 yards beyond scrimmage, serving up a 4th and 8 for NE. Montone sailed an open Donovan, turning the ball over on downs.
Johnson’s Defense continued to perform well, with O’Loughlin and Nardelli jamming the RB for no gain on first down at the SMR29 and Casey taking a wallop from the wrecking ball of a FB but keeping her progress to just 4 yards. On 3rd and 6, the home team elected to pass and what was probably a highlight reel sack by Cambria coming from the blind side was ruled an incomplete pass. Maine launched a decent punt that went out of bounds at the NE 42.
New England’s offensive woes in the 2nd half annoyingly persisted, with two runs that netted -7 yards and an incomplete pass (though Donovan was again victimized by what seemed to be pass interference-level contact by everyone except the guys with the striped shirts—this time, the DB did not even look back for the ball). Nardelli helped the Intensity cause with a 32 yard punt that was downed.
Despite the shortcomings on O, the D continued to hold the line . . . Another three and out for Southern Maine led to a punt. The punt play saw NE flagged for an offsides, prompting the Rebels to re-punt. Another poor decision in hindsight, as the punter booted it off her own player in the backfield and allowed Bruce to recover it at the SMR 24!
A gift-wrapped opportunity to put some points up and seal the game . . . A gift that would not materialize . . . a short run by Montone, another NE penalty, and 3 incomplete passes (an open Donovan watching two passes sail uncatchably over her head, and Bruce almost coming down with an impressive heave up the right side that might have ended up as a TD). The turnover on downs occurring shortly before the 2 minute warning gave the Rebels enough time to piece together a drive an break the shut out.
Southern Maine would never make it to the Intensity side of midfield, with standout plays by Giarrusso and O’Connor (a 2-yard tackle for loss on a run), a pass defended—almost intercepted--by rookie Jen Lewis, and stops for very short gains by Gauvin and Adams on one play, Adams by herself on another, and O’Connor and Giarrusso (again) on a 3rd. Time would expire and the final score was 18-0 in favor of the visitors.
These two squads will play each other again on 4/23 in Medway. Between now and then, New England will be heading north of the border for a match next Saturday with the 2010 IWFL Champion Montreal Bltiz, who put the wood to the Intensity 53-14 during the Quarterfinals of last years playoffs in Montreal. In fact, it was 2005 when New England last defeated Montreal (they have lost 4 straight against them since).
The Blue will look to have a much-improved showing up there next week, buoyed by an intriguing result of the 4/9/11 contest between the Blitz and Manchester Freedom (in which Montreal won a squeaker at home, 12-6). Begging the question did Manchester rise or Montreal fall (or both) . . . Either way, the Intensity will be hard a work preparing. Stay tuned!!
-END-
4.7.11
Offense in Bunches on 4/6/11.
Coaches Fernald, Johnson, Callahan, Ellison, and Ashley led a session focused primarily on offense.
Click here for pictures from this practice.
4.4.11
Intensity Gears up for Game 1
As New England enters the final week of the pre-season, final preparations are being made for their season opener this upcoming Saturday, 4/9/11 in Portland versus their long-time rival Southern Maine Rebels. Kickoff is 5pm and the venue is the Deering High School Memorial Stadium (located at the corner of Ludlow and Leland Streets).
The Rebels, always a challenge for the Intensity, are historically a big, physical, tough team. New England will have to bring it's "A" Game Saturday night as their hosts will no doubt be very energized for the game.
Coaches Fernald, Johnson, Callahan and Ellison have been working diligently with the players installing and refining schemes, improving individual fundamentals and skills, evaluating new players, and increasing team cohesiveness.
The keys to this first game for NE will be controlling scrimmage (especially on offense) and minimizing mistakes. We'll know this time next week if the Blue was able to successfully execute their game plans!
4.3.11
A focus on Special Teams on 4/2/11.
The squad spent some quality time going over various special team drills, and added in some D and O for good measure.
Click here for pictures from this practice.
3.29.11
Big Defensive Night on 3/28/11.
Coaches Callahan and Johnson had the D firing on all cylinders Monday night!!
Click here and here for pictures from this practice.
3.26.11
Aggressive Practice on 3/26/11.
Great classroom work, individual work, and team O v. team D Saturday afternoon!
Click here for pictures from this practice.
3.25.11
2011 Team Captains Elected!!
Left to Right: Coco, Steph, Lisa Close and T Brown
Congratulations to our 2011 Captains!
The players and staff of the New England Intensity have elected RB Steph Samuelson, DE Lisa Close, DL/OL Jennifer “Coco” Edwards, and OL/DL Torrance “T” Brown to lead the 2011 squad.
Steph, a 2009 Intensity Hall of Fame Inductee and 3-time All-Star, is entering her 8th season with New England and 4th consecutive season as a Team Captain is coming off of her best season so far in 2010, where she shattered her own records for rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns.
Lisa, the 2010 Intensity Award winner, is entering her 5th season with the team. Her breakout season at Defensive End last year, along with her superb, team-first attitude and work ethic helped earn her the mandate of her teammates and coaches to serve as a first-year Captain this season.
Coco, a 2010 Intensity Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All-Star, 2007 Intensity Award winner, 2-time Lineman of the year, and Team Captain since 2008 enters her 6th season with New England and returns to her familiar role as Captain in 2011.
T Brown, a 9 year veteran of women’s tackle football (the last 7 of which have been played with New England) and a 2010 Inductee into the Intensity Hall of Fame, earns her first such honor as a Team Captain with the blue (she was previously a Captain with the New England Storm).
Posted 3.7.11
Playoff Game Versus Montreal Blitz Highlights
New England's 8-0 run through the regular season in 2010, according to the Massey rating system was still not good enough to host a playoff game--they had to travel north of the border to face the perennial powerhouse Montreal Blitz. It was the 3rd consecutive season the Intensity qualified for the post-season and 4th time in the last 5 years they had done so.
NE held their own through much of the first half, but the high octane offense eventually began to get the better of the visitors. The Blue could hold their head high when all was said and done, as the Blitz went on to the Championship Game for the 3rd straight season and won it for the second time (they had previously won in 2008).
Play the video below to see some noteworthy individual and team performances from New England during this game.
Game 6 (2010) Highlights
The Intensity took the field for their final home game of the 2010 season prepared to defend their 5-0 record against the dangerous Erie Illusion (whom they had never before played). Erie had lost games to the 2009 Tier 2 Champion Wisconsin Warriors, and to the perpetual Tier 1 powerhouse Pittsburgh Passion (whom they played respectably close). With their 3-3 record to that point, The Illusion were very much in the playoff hunt and eager to sink their teeth into who they thought were an over-rated 5-0 New England squad. They would have no such luck!
In this clip, QB Rebecca Lopez hits WR Tricia Donovan on a nice slant pattern early in the game. New England's balanced offense (120+ passing yards, 160+ rushing yards) was key in this win.
All-world RB Steph Samuelson, as talented as she is, still does benefit from some great blocking :)! On this play, TE Brenna Leveille (lined up as a WR), FB Kate Meichkowski, and FB/LB Charlene Casey (lined up as a TE) pave the way nicely for Steph. And Miechkowski, Casey and Center Bettyann Perry give a great shove of the pile at the end of the play to pick up a few extra yards!
The Intensity D would have it's hands full with the Illusion running game (the visitors rushed for over 200 yards and picked up 10 first downs via the run). On this play, however, Captain DL Jennifer "Coco" Edwards" shed the offensive lineman attempting to slow her down, came all the way across the formation t0 meet the enormous fullback behind scrimmage, then drive her to the ground after almost no gain.
Early in the game, Erie had driven to inside the NE 10. DT Coco Edwards and LB Charlene Casey stuffed the runner at scrimmage, forcing her outside, where DE Lisa Close (running her down from behind) and LB Kate Miechkowski (meeting her head-up) combined to drop her for a loss!
Here, a great push up the right side by C Bettyann Perry, OL Coco Edwards, and LB/TE Charlene Casey pave the way for shifty RB Steph Samuelson to pick up a big chunk of yards.
The Blue D held here quite well, with DE Lisa Close getting upfield well, forcing the RB to go way outside (and not upfield herself), right into the arms of the alert and charging LB Erica Adams!
The Intensity Special Teams had a good day during this game. P/DB Jojo Gauthier had her best punting day of the season, averaging 30 yards per punt, including this 35 yarder that was not returned!
Speaking of Special Teams, PR/WR Tricia Donovan rattled off a 35 yard punt return on this play in the 2nd half!
LB/FB Kate Miechkowkski came up with huge play on D here, picking
off the Illusion pass and returning it all the way to the 1 yard line.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator did the right thing on the ensuing
play, calling Kate's number...she'd deliver by punching it in for an
Intensity TD!
Following the Miechkowski touchdown, New England would break out a trick play, faking the PAT and having holder Tricia Donovan roll right and hit TE Brenna Leveille with a great pass and a successful 2 point conversion!
In one of several such plays she made during the 2010 season, LB/DB Lisa Vincent makes a great read and turns on the jets to meet the ball carrier behind scrimmage for a loss!
RB Steph Samuelson, who held basically every rushing record in franchise history was able to break one she did not have . . . the longest rush and longest TD rush . . . This 65-yarder scratched off a name not hers in the record books!
The icing on the cake of the this contest came when QB Rebecca Lopez floated a perfect pass to TE/WR Brenna Leveille running a deep route up the right side. She caught it in stride and took it to the endzone!
Posted 12.10.10
Opposing Teams Beware!!!! 2029 Rookie of the Year Tracey Brown has officially taken her first steps (at 9 months!!).
Game 4 (2010) Highlights
In Game 4 of the 2010 season, the Intensity hosted the then 0-3 Connecticut Crushers—who had lost their first three games to Tier 1 opponents and were eager to get their hands on the Tier 2 Intensity! The athletic Crushers would prove one heck of test for New England, who jumped out to an early lead, but lost the lead later in the game, only to re-take it in the 4th quarter and hold the line on the visitors final possession. It was a hard fought victory of NE, who would surrender almost 250 yards on the ground to Connecticut (almost 6 yards per carry), but came up with stops (and points) when it counted and would run their season record to 4-0 at that point. Opportunistic offense, solid timely defense and outstanding special teams were all big parts in New England's win.
Here, Steph Samuelson plunges in for one of her record setting 17 rushing TDs of the season. Of note is the excellent blocking RT Maia Goodall, RG Coco Edwards, C Bettyann Perry, TE Brenna Leveille, FB Charlene Casey and WR Tricia Donovan.
The defense was very stout early (and late) in the game for New England. DE Bridget Cambria races in from the edge to bring the ball carrier down behind scrimmage. DT Maia Goodall helps out with the tackle as well.
To quote Al Pacino “…the margin of victory is so small”. The Intensity held Connecticut to 18 points on three touchdowns, holding the line on all three 2-point conversion attempts. Seeing as how New England scored only 19 points, each of these stops proved quite crucial. In this first one, DT Coco Edwards makes first contact, slowing the RB up, while LB Kate Miechkowski and DT Maia Goodall get their hands on her, allowing the ever-aware LB Charlene Casey to come across the field from the non-play side and wipe her out before she fell into the endzone!
On this 2-point attempt for Connecticut, the run left was stopped short of paydirt by LB Kate Miechkowski staying at home and keeping the play in her view while lined up in pass coverage, getting off her block to help tee up the ball carrier for LB Charlene “the Hammer” Casey to wipe her out!
QB Rebecca Lopez launched a perfect strike 30 yards in the air over the outstretched leaping arms of the Crushers CB to hit WR Tricia Donovan (who out ran the coverage and signaled for the ball almost immediately) for a touchdown! On Connecticut’s next possession, they would try a quick pass out to their left, that DB Lisa Vincent quickly read and covered 15 yards (in the time the receiver covered 5 yards) and delivered a solid hit, stopping the play for no gain!
DT Maia Goodall defeated her block in less than a second and was in the backfield to violently wrap up the Crushers’ RB and whip her to the ground for a 5 yard loss!
RG Kim Herrig and LG Coco Edwards had their defenders on roller skates, shoving them back about 10 yards, paving the way for RB Steph Samuelson to chug forward for 12 yards and a first down!
Some great two-man D-Line play here, with DE Bridget Cambria establishing great outside contain, getting up field and forcing the Connecticut RB to turn the toss left back to the inside…and right into the waiting arms of DT Bri Giarrusso who got around the O-Line and tackled the ball carrier for a loss!
The broad view of this clip does not do justice to how difficult a catch WR Tricia Donovan made, coming back, leaping over the taller DB, finding the ball, somehow corralling it and having the presence of mind to get up and scamper for a few more yards before being tackled. This was the first offensive play (after a turnover on downs from CT) on what would be the winning scoring drive for the Intensity!
This clip’s resolution is bad due to the stands literally shaking with the rabid Intensity fans stomping like crazy!! RB Steph Samuelson runs right for the go-ahead touchdown. The crowd noise was a huge factor in New England’s favor during this game—and hopefully will be for all of the 2011 season!
To Connecticut’s credit, they certainly did not roll over and quit after the Intensity took the lead late in the 4th. Quite the opposite, they had a very nerve-racking drive that took some great play by the New England defense to keep the visitors from coming from behind to re-take the lead. On this pass play, heavy pressure by Defensive Ends Bridget Cambria and Lisa Close and up the middle by DT Torrance Brown forced the Crushers’ QB to get rid of the ball a bit sooner than she would have liked, this aided DB Lisa Vincent who stayed with the intended received coming back for the ball and knocked it out of her arms before she could put it away!
Later on the same drive, DE Bridget Cambria fought through her block on the run to the left by Connecticut to make contact with the RB behind scrimmage and allow DB Lisa Vincent to make a solid read and strike in to finish the tackle!
On a crucial play in the closing seconds of the game (what would be the 2nd to last play of the game), the Intensity D sniffed out the reverse, with DT Maia Goodall and Bridget Cambria arriving at the spot of the ball exchange almost as quickly as the intended ball carriers! Cambria would tie the runner up and DE Lisa Close, coming from the opposite side of the field and DB Jojo Gauthier, from deep in the defensive backfield, would alertly streak in and finish off the play, resulting in a 10 yard loss!
Game 3 (2010) Highlights
The 3rd Game of the 2010 season was a rematch of game 1, this time on the road up in Portland versus Southern Maine. The Intensity would enter the game having held the Rebels scoreless in 6 straight quarters and would leave the game having extended that streak to 10 quarters, the final tally being 22-0. RB Steph Samuelson went off, rushing for 212 yards on 31 carries including 2 TDs and 7 first downs--not counting an additional 81 yards and 3 rushing TDs called back by piss-poor officiating. A rejuvenated New England D was flying all over the field, holding the home team to only 25 passing yards and only 6 non-penalty first downs. A few highlights from the game:
The next several clips are various tackles for loss . . . this one by DB/LB Lisa Vincent who makes a great read and closes with the ball carrier very quickly.
Here, DT Jennifer "Coco" Edwards sheds blocks and knifes into the backfield, much to the RB's dismay.
Safety Jojo Gauthier sniffs out this run play and heads off the RB at the pass!
DE Bridget Cambria and DT Coco, both lightning-quick off the line, literally breeze past the Southern Maine O Line and tackle the running back about half a second after she takes possession of the ball.
LB Stacey Martin scrapes down on the toss right, then accelerates, taking a great angle to the RB and drops her for a big loss!
DB Lisa Vincent, in great position to defend the pass, actually tips it away from the intended receiver and Jojo alertly catches it (one of 3 turnovers the Intensity would gain possession of).
Here, DT Kim Herrig and DE Lisa Close never stop fighting through their blocks and, thanks to some good down field coverage, are able to win their matchups, get to the QB and sack her!
Offensively, there was no shortage of highlights . . .
Here, RB Steph Samuelson scampered in for one of her two TDs behind some good strong side blocking by RG Kim Herrig, RT Torrance Brown, TE Brenna Leveille and WR Jen Thompson. Additionally, LG Coco Edwards and QB Rebecca Lopez sealed the back side to make sure the play would not be run down from behind!
The passing attack, while not outstanding in this game, nonetheless did make an impact. Here, QB Rebecca Lopez, with, literally, all day to throw (courtesy of the O line and backs), connects WR Tricia Donovan on a great stop and go. In fact, had she been hit in stride, it would have been 6 points as the DB completely bit on the fake.
Lopez floats a nice pass on a corner route to Rookie TE Brenna Leveille for a TD late in the game, sealing the win for the Intensity. The O line and backs did another commendable job pass blocking.
Special Teams had a few great plays during this game as well . . . Tricia, having misjudged the ability of the Southern Maine punter, had to chase after this punt that got over her head. She made up for it with a decent return, but watch for DE Bridget Cambria coming back against the grain to drop an unsuspecting hefty Rebel player pursuing Tricia near midfield!
Game 2 (2010) Highlights
Game 2 of the 2010 season saw arch-rival Manchester Freedom visit Medway, eager to avenge losing both contests to New England (for the first time ever) in 2009. The Intensity would have none of that, defeating the visitors 25-6 via a well-balanced offensive attack (2 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs) and some great individual efforts on defense (4 sacks, 1 INT). A few highlights from the game:
Here, Captain Kim Herrig and DE Bridget Cambria slash through the Manchester line to flush the QB out to the right and force her to throw it out of bounds as the first half wound down, stifling a drive that had started to gain steam.
On this play, the resurgent passing game of New England was quite evident, as QB Rebecca Lopez hit Rookie TE/WR Brenna Leveille in stride up the middle for a huge gain--due in no small part to some great downfield blocking by WR Tricia Donovan--before the Freedom Safety tackled her on the 1 yard line.
Early in the, Rookie LB Erica Adams set the tone with this great read/pursuit/tackle, dragging the Manchester RB down for a several-yard loss.
In one of several TD linkups between QB Lopez and WR Tricia Donovan--they really developed a great chemistry--Lopez launched a pass short of the coverage that Tricia read, cameback for, then put a quick move on the defender to get to the pylon where she dove for the game-icing touchdown putting NE up 24-0 late in the 4th!
Cambria, in yet another sensational play, blows by the Freedom O Line and snatches the QB to the ground by her shoulder pads/helmet, sacking her for almost a 10 yard loss!
Posted 10.29.10
Game 1 (2010) Highlights
In the 2010 Season Opener, a home contest versus long-time rival Southern Maine Rebels, some staunch defensive efforts by the Intensity players set the tone early that the visitors would not be doing any scoring on this day. The Blue prevailed 28-0, thanks to plays like these:
Here, veteran DB Lizz Vogel shows great vision and technique by making a nice open-field tackle for no gain.
Here, DE Lisa Close sheds blocks and knifes into the backfield to sack the QB!
Posted 10.16.10
The 3rd Annual Cambridge Athletic Club (CAC) Bench Press Competition was held on 10/16/10. Several members of the Intensity participated in this event! Check out the videos of their performances!
Maia's 21 Reps
Coco also doing 21 Reps, in what could never be confused as gym clothes!
T Brown doing 16 reps, with her youngest daughter's [empty] car seat by the bench!
Michelle Breden knocking out 13 reps of her own!
Jen Stone, 14 reps (2nd place overall)
Rebecca Lopez, perhaps the world's greatest sandbagger/under-estimator, doing 9 reps.
New Intensity fan, Marlene Berman (age 70!!) doing 2 reps, even with severe hamstring cramping!
Vinny with her 3rd Place effort!!
Tricia's winning performance--17 Reps!
Posted 10.11.10
Game 5 (2010) Highlights
The 5th game of the 2010 season saw the Intensity travel to Manchester to face off against their long-time rival Freedom. The Intensity prevailed, 20-8 (with Manchester's points coming in the closing minutes of the game). A beautiful TD pass from QB Erica Statkus to WR Tricia Donovan, who beats her defender downfield is shown here...
Posted 10.3.10
LB Charlene Casey and DE Bridget Cambria pursue the Freedom QB who tried to roll right, and sacked her from behind!!
Posted 9.26.10
Also in game at Manchester, DE Bridget Cambria knifes deep into the backfield after the QB, sacking her (Bridget would go on to set the franchise single-season sack record) and forcing a fumble that 2nd year DL Bri Giarrusso--herself posting a breakout season--recovered with a nice combination of hustle and alertness!
Posted 9.19.10
During a 56-7 drubbing of the Southern Maine Rebels in Portland (after a contentious, to say the least, week leading up to this 3rd contest between teams in 2010), DE Lisa Close--in the midst of a breakout season--alertly scooped up the fumble and scampered 35 yards for a touchdown! This pushed the score to 34-0 with 9 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter and effectively broke the back of home team and helped the Intensity earn their 7th straight win--a franchise record at the time!
Posted 9.12.10
In the 2nd OT of the final 2010 regular season game in Erie, QB Rebecca Lopez hits RB Steph Samuelson on a screen pass to the left, which she took 25 yards to the endzone--eluding two tacklers and outrunning two others. This would be the game-winning TD for the Intensity, capping a come-from behind victory that cemented their 8-0 season.
Posted 9.5.10
Jojo, in a very close home contest versus Connecticut, put the wood to the Crushers receiver as time expired in the first half!
Posted 8.29.10
Coco's Record-Setting 90 yard Fumble Recovery for a touchdown at Erie on 6/5/10. After Maia Goodall made the initial contact and Tricia Donovan stripped the ball, Coco alertly scooped it up and made a 270' house call!
3.25.11
Offensive Session at Teamworks on 3/24/11!
A solid offensive night was the call of the night for the Blue on 3/24 down at Teamworks!
Click here and for pictures from this practice.
3.19.11
Intensity and Militia hold Joint Practice on 3.19.11!
The New England Intensity and the Boston Militia participated in a very productive practice together with coaches from each staff putting the players through various individual and team drills and situations. A great event with lots of reps and learning for both squads teams. Special thanks to the Coach Beasley and the Militia for hosting this event and inviting us to partake!
Click here and here for pictures from this practice.
3.18.11
Defense in the Film Room, Offense and D on the Field on 3.17.11!
Coach Johnson led a great film review session focused on Defense, while he and Coaches Fernald and Callahan put the squad through a very productive offensive session on the court.
Click here for pictures from this practice.
3.15.11
More Offense Covered on 3.14.11!
A spectacular session for Coach Fernald's O, in particular, sizable progress made by Coach Callahan's Line!
Click here for pictures from this practice.
3.12.11
Good Offensive Session on 3.12.11!
Solid classroom instruction followed by some in-depth play work.
Click here for pictures from this practice.
3.11.11
Pad Clap in Abundance on 3.10.11!
Coaches Fernald, Johnson and Callahan put the team through a very physical "overnight" practice at Teamworks.
Click here and here for pictures from this practice.
3.8.11
Back to the O on 3.7.11!
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald and Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson revisited the Offensive side of the ball in a very productive session on 3/7/11.
Click here and for pictures from this practice.
3.5.11
Comprehensive Practice on 3.5.11!
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald, Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson, Line Coach Jim Callahan and Athletic Trainer/Kicking Coach Cliff Ashley covered all bases--Special Teams, O and D!
Click here and for pictures from this practice.
3.3.11
Big D gets some work on 3.3.11!
Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson, Line Coach Jim Callahan, and Kicking Coach Cliff Ashley led a intense defensively-focused session on 3.3.11.
Click here and for pictures from this practice.
3.1.11
Impressive Offensive Session on 2.28.11!
Coaches Callahan and Ellison put the squad through a very productive offensive session.
Click here and for pictures from 2.26.11.
2.26.11
The Motors were running in top gear on 2.26.11!!
Coach Johnson returned from a much-deserved vacation and he, along with Coaches Ellison, Callahan and Ashley, put the Intensity through a high tempo extended session touching on just about everything.
Click here and for pictures from 2.26.11.
2.25.11
The Intensity Stretches Their Legs at Teamworks!!
Another offensive-focused practice (with an appetizer of special teams) on 2.24.11 down at our turf facility!
Click here and for pictures from 2.24.11.
2.21.11
The Big "O" gets underway!!
An almost exclusively-offensive practice on 2/20, inclusive of some quality classroom work, large amounts of individual skills, then a solid team period at the end!
Click here and for pictures from 2.20.11.
2.12.11
Pre-Season . . . the time for fundamentals!!
Another top-notch session rife with basic skill work--this time an equal focus on D and O.
Click here and for pictures from 2.12.11.
2.10.11
A ton of reps with individual offensive skills took place the evening of 2/9/11! Additionally, there was a very challenging conditioning session and great technique work on special teams.
Click here and for pictures from 2.9.11.
2.6.11
Progress Continues!!
The best football this past Sunday was not in Dallas, it was in Natick! Another great all-around session, with headway made on Defense, Offense and Special Teams!
Click here and here for pictures from 2.6.11.
2.3.11
Neither rain nor snow . . .
Mother Nature seems intent on making life difficult for the Intensity to practice this Pre-season . . . Despite about a foot of new snow, a bout of freezing rain, plummeting temps and the resulting icy roads, a sizable turnout of hearty souls braved the elements and attended one of the best practices in recent memory on 2/2/11! A ton of reps for all types of fundamental skills and a large Defensive period were the order of the night!
Click here for pictures from 2.2.11.
1.29.11
The Intensity Begins it's 2011 Preseason in Strong Fashion!
Nearly 30 players participated in the first official practice of the 2011 Season (with almost a dozen otherwise accounted for)!
Click here to see some pictures from the practice!
1.23.11
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryouts conclude with a Bang!
Well over 20 vets and rookies participated in the last voluntary OTA of the 2011 Off-Season on Saturday 1/22/11. The team now focuses on beginning the Pre-Season starting on Wednesday 1/26/11.
Click here to see some pictures from the session!
1.16.11
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryout on 1/16/11
About 20 strong again even on a Pats playoff game day--go Pittsburgh, that's all I have to say! A solid Defensive practice, focusing on individual skills, and a little Team O at the end.
Nancy O'Loughlin and Aimee Gauvin doing medicine ball throws.
Torrance Brown dragging the running sled, while Tricia Riordan runs beside her.
Tricia Riordan takes a turn with the sled as T Brown paces her.
Charlene Casey, T Brown, Nancy O'Loughlin pave the way for Lisa Close and Steph Samuelson. Michelle Breden, Aimee Gauvin and Maia Goodall seal of the back side.
Stacey Martin, Andrea Covelli and Toni Cann line up as LBs to oppose the Team O.
Steph Samuelson and Toni Cann accelerate to the tackle bags.
Maia Goodall and Lisa Close practicing tackling.
Lisa Close and Nancy O'Loughlin doing more med ball work.
T Brown and Michelle Breden tossing the med balls with Tricia Riordan and Maia Goodall looking on.
Charlene Casey and Lesly Lopes negotiating the agility bags.
Coaches Johnson and Ellison putting the skills position players through a ball slapping drill. Jen Lewis winds up with Lisa Vincent close behind.
12.12.10
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryout on 12/12
About 20 strong again, this time getting a good dose of offense with some team D at the end (after a great conditioning portion at the start, of course).
Two photos of Aimee Gauvin, Lamia Bouhallel, T Brown, Michelle Breden, Stacey Martin, Brianna Giarrusso and Andrea Covelli receiving instruction from Defensive Coordinator Johnny Johnson and Line Coach Jim Callahan.
Action shots of Jenn O’Connor and Alex Montone dropping back for passes.
Andrea Covelli and Stacey Martin doing a fast footwork drill while Aimee Gauvin, Bri Giarrusso and Michelle Breden look on.
Kate Schoenen goes out for a pass from Alex Montone, Jenn O’Connor winds up for a pass of her own, and Sarah Supino, Jen Lewis, Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca, Bridget Cambria, Brenna Leveille and Lauren Kantak wait their turn.
Michelle Breden and T Brown working on Line Drills.
12.6.10
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryout on 12/5
The New England Intensity continued the 2011 preparation, having a very up-tempo training session/tryout on Sunday, 12/5/10, at the Brandon Center Gym. 20 hard-working players got to participate in a challenging conditioning period, followed with some great defensive instruction (individual and group) by the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach. Additionally, some individual offensive skills work was performed.
Aimee Gauvin, Lesely Lopes, Michelle Breden, Lizwe Nondabula, Maia Goodall and Nancy O'Loughlin going over Line fundamentals.
The coaches go over defensive alignments with Riss Nardelli, Alex Montone, Lesley Lopes, Lisa Paulson, Michelle Breden, Erica Adams, Lisa Vincent, Lauren Kantak, Jen Lewis, Stacey DeLuca and Sara Supino.
Lisa Close's legs are moving so fast during this high knees drill the camera could not even keep up! Alex Montone, Bri Giarrusso, Lisa Paulson and Jen Lewis wait their turn.
Jen Lewis and Stacey DeLuca work with Coach Johnson on a Defensive Back Drill while Julie Collette and Lauren Kantak look on.
Our next session will be 12/12 from 4-6pm at The Brandon Center Gym, all are invited and encouraged to attend!
11.27.10
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryout on 11/27
The New England Intensity held another successful and well-attended off-season training session/tryout Saturday, 11/27/10. Nearly 20 players (mostly players new to the team) met with a couple of the coaching staff to get some conditioning work in, as well as some individual and team offense and defense techniques and skills practice…and worked off some of the Thanksgiving meal(s)!
Bri Giarrusso, Charlene Casey and Lauren Kantak line up to defend against Elle Noordzy, Erica Adams, Michelle Breden, Kate Schoenen, Alex Montone, Rebecca Lopez and Sarah Supino.
Lesley Lopes watches T Brown do a squat toss.
..and does a squat toss of her own!
The cool, breezy temps did not faze the athletes, as a very active couple of hours (especially for the line, who had the [mis?]fortune of working with the strength and conditioning coach during individuals) kept people moving.
Lisa Paulson and Aimee Gauvin take turns running with the speed sled while Lamia Bouhallel awaits her turn.
A warm welcome to Elle Noordzy and a welcome back to Lamia Bouhallel!! We look forward to having you two in the trenches with us in 2011!
Sarah Supino Runs the ball behind some effective blocking
Rebecca Lopez lines up behind Lesley Lopes, Lamia Bouhallel, Michelle Breden, Aimee Gauvin and T Brown.
The Intensity’s next training session/tryout will be next Sunday, 12/5, also from 1-3pm at Cornell’s field (unless the weather demands otherwise, in which case a separate notice will be issued announcing this).
11.20.10
2011 Off-Season Training Session/Tryouts Underway
The New England Intensity kicked off it’s 2011 campaign recently, having two off-season training sessions in the last few weeks. There will be additional sessions held on 11/27 from 3-5pm at Cornell’s (229 Hayden Row Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts).
These sessions’ primary purpose is to provide regular occasions for players new to the team to get a taste of what a practice is like, and meet some of the staff and veteran players.
Veteran players also stand to benefit greatly from these sessions as it gives them a jump on preparing for the start of the pre-season (in late January).
Thus far, the off-season sessions have revealed several players—both new and veteran—that we are quite optimistic will make HUGE impacts in the upcoming season. And there is ALWAYS room for more players with the right attitude—that is, and unselfish, team first winner! Anyone interested in joining should scroll down on any page on this website and fill out the shaded fields to receive more information about the Intensity!
Here are some photos from recent training sessions/tryouts:
Riss Nardelli and Julie Collette provide some resistance for Lesley Lopes and Maia Goodall while Michelle Breden and Coach Johnson look on.
Andrea Covelli and Liane Margolin hold the tackling pads for Maia Goodall and Alex Montone.
Julie Collette and Lauren Kantak hold the tackling pads for Riss Nardelli and Aimee Gauvin.
Coach Johnson explains a drill to Lauren Kantak, Michelle Breden, Laine Margolin, Samantha Thacker, Maia Goodall, Stacey Martin and Kate Schoenen
11.13.10
2010 End of Season Banquet a Fun Time for All
The New England Intensity held it’s 2010 End of Season Banquet Saturday, 11/13/10, at the Original Sports Pub in Framingham, Massachusetts—who, by the way, did an outstanding job hosting this event.
After about 2 hours of socializing and dinner, the awards ceremony got underway. Majority Owner and League Delegate gave her opening remarks and introduced the 2010 Team Captains: Jennifer Edwards, Maia Goodall, Kim Herrig and Steph Samuelson.
2010 Team Captains Maia Goodall, Kim Herrig, Coco and Steph Samuelson
The Captains then presented awards to the Coaching Staff (Head Coach Jason Fernald, Assistant Coaches Mike Nelson, Jim Callahan and Johnny Johnson, and Athletic Trainer Cliff Ashley) for all of their hard work in preparing the 2010 team for it’s 8-0 run!
Captains w/ Head Coach Jason Fernald
Captains w/ Assistant Coach Mike Nelson
Captains w/ Line Coach Jim Callahan
Captains with Assistant Coach Johnny Johnson
Captains w/ Athletic Trainer Cliff Ashley
As per Intensity Tradition, the Captains then handed out their “gag” awards to each player . . . A few examples: DL Bri Giarrusso, famous for misspelled Facebook posts, was given a dictionary. DL/OL Lesley Lopes, having lost over 100 lbs in the past 2 years, no longer fits her wardrobe—so she was given a fitted shirt! DL Nancy O’Loughlin, an MBTA Police Lieutenant, member of the Intensity since 2007, and ice hockey player for almost 40 years, was given a framed permission slip [that she can have her Mom, who is still unaware of her daughter playing tackle football, sign and return to team management]! QB/TE Erica Statkus, who can throw a pass well over 50 yards, and almost knocked the eyeballs out of a former player last pre-season, was given a set of fake googlie eyes to commemorate the event.
When the Captains concluded their presentations, those players and staff with the most outstanding attendance records (inclusive of all pre-season practices and in-season practices and games—well over 50 in total) were recognized. They were:
>95% Attendance:
Head Coach Jason Fernald, Minority Owner/GM Ben Brown, Majority Owner/Delegate Tricia Donovan, Steph Samuelson, Bri Giarrusso, Torrance Brown, Stacey DeLuca
>90% Attendance:
Rebecca Lopez, Ben Brown, Tricia Donovan, Jen Stone, Brenna Leveille, Maia Goodall, Lisa Close, Nancy O'Loughlin, Line Coach Jim Callahan, Jennifer Edwards
The next group of honorees were the Offensive and Defensive Game Day MVPs. They were:
Game 1: W 28-0 vs. Southern Maine Rebels
O: Kate Miechkowski, D: Lisa Vincent
Game 2, W 25-6 vs. Manchester Freedom
O: Steph Samuelson, D: Bridget Cambria
Game 3, W 22-0 at Southern Maine Rebels
O: Steph Samuelson, D: Jojo Gauthier
Game 4, W 19-18 vs. Connecticut Crushers
O: Rebecca Lopez, D: Lisa Vincent
Game 5, W 20-8 at Manchester Freedom
O: Steph Samuelson, D: Charlene Casey
Game 6, W 28-8 vs. Erie Illusion
O: Brenna Leveille, D: Kate Miechkowski
Game 7, W 56-7 at Southern Maine Rebels
O: Rebecca Lopez, D: Lisa Vincent
Game 8, W 27-20 (2OT) at Erie Illusion
O: Steph Samuelson, D: Jennifer Edwards
Playoff Quarterfinal Game, L 53-14 at Montreal Blitz
O: Steph Samuelson, D: Brenna Leveille
Following the Game Day MVPs were the 2010 League All Stars. The Intensity had 8 players elected to the All Star Team, and, for the first time ever, a coach (Head Coach Jason Fernald, who, incidentally, was also asked by the IWFL to be the Head Coach of the Eastern Conference All Star Team).
The 2010 All Stars:
Head Coach Jason Fernald
Bridget Cambria
Charlene Casey (w/Tricia and Ben)
Tricia Donovan (5th award)
Kim Herrig (2nd award)
Brenna Leveille
Rebecca Lopez
Steph Samuelson (3rd award)--sorry if we are keeping you awake, Steph!!
Lisa Vincent (2nd award), she was getting tired of walking up to the podium to receive awards
The 2010 Team Superlative Awards were up next, the winners were:
Comeback Player of the Year:
Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca w/ Ben and Head Coach Fernald--notice the massive scar on her forearm!
Rookie of the Year:
Brenna Leveille
Special Teams Player of the Year:
Tricia Donovan
Defensive Player of the Year:
Lisa Vincent
Offensive Player of the Year:
Rebecca Lopez
Lineman of the Year:
Bridget Cambria
Team MVP:
Steph Samuelson
Intensity Award:
Lisa Close
Note: The Intensity Award was established in 2006 by Tricia and given “To the player that best exemplifies the Ideals and Values of the New England Intensity: Teamwork, Selflessness, Positive Attitude, and Work Ethic.”
Last but far from least was the 2010 New England Intensity Hall of Fame Inductees. The Hall of Fame Preamble reads:
After the 2009 season, the 7th straight season New England Intensity has been in existence, the decision was made to establish a franchise Hall of Fame. The purpose of this Hall of Fame is to provide a mechanism to recognize those members of the organization that have made significant, long-term, positive contributions to betterment of The Intensity. With nearly 300 players either currently or formerly part of the Intensity (as of the 2010 season), this is the rarest and most prestigious distinction.
The 2010 Inductees:
Torrance Brown (w/ her 8 month old daughter and 2029 rookie of the year Tracey) flanked by Tricia and Ben
Jennifer “Coco” Edwards
Kim Herrig
Bettyann Perry
Congratulations to the 2010 Team for a great season!!! Time to now focus on achieving even more in 2011!!
11.2.10
LB "Coach" Toni Cann's Mite Lancers win Championship!!
First year Pop Warner Head Coach LB Toni Cann led her team to a thrilling Double Overtime Victory, coming from behind to win 7-6! Congrats to Toni and her players on a great season!
The hardware (and a few snacks for the victors)!!
10.24.10
Several Intensity Players Instrumental in Flag Football Tournament Victory
The “Hurricanes”, a veritable all-star team from the Rhode Island Women’s Flag Football League, comprised of 7 players from the 2010 Intensity squad (DB Jojo Gauthier, DE Bridget Cambria, DB/LB Lisa Vincent, WR/DB Tricia Donovan, LB/C Stacey Martin, QB Erica Statkus, and WR/DB Brenna Leveille), and 2 players that have played on the Intensity in years past (Maggie Koosa and Chrystal Alcock)—and we hope they, along with some of the other players, join the Blue for 2011!--had an amazing run in the 5th Annual Provincetown Classic International Women’s Flag Football Association (IWFFA) Tournament, taking home top honors.
Standing (back row): Stacey Martin, Maggie Koosa, Erica Statkus, Brenna Leveille, Meg Kashner, Sherri Mooney, Wendy Romblad, Emily Nester
Kneeling (front row): Christine Elliott, JoJo Gauthier, Bridget Cambria, Lisa Vincent, Tricia Donovan, Chrystal Alcock, Gioia DeSimone
The two-day tournament (held Saturday, September 18th and Sunday, September 19th) showcased teams from several different states and a team from Canada—which, incidentally, had many players from the Montreal Blitz, the 2008 and 2010 Independent Women’s Football League Champions. The Hurricanes not only were the overall champions, but they went undefeated and unscored upon, tallying 89 points in their 5 games while surrendering not a single one!!!
Erica Stakus launches a pass to Tricia with Maggie Koosa, Stacey Martin, Emily Neste and Gioia DeSimone blocking.
Opposing teams could barely slow down, much less stop the high-octane passing attack, led by Quarterbacks Erica Statkus and Chrystal Alcock, both of whom were consistently given a lot of time to survey the field and get off good passes behind the blocking of Maggie Koosa, Stacey Martin and Emily Nester. Tricia Donovan (a five-time All-Star in the IWFL and all-time Intensity leader in just about every receiving category) was flanked by two equally-talented receivers (Wendy “Tex” Romblad and Meg Kashner) causing splitting headaches for opponents’ defenses. As if that was not enough, Gioia DeSimone, one of the fastest players in the tournament (she won the 100m race held at the beginning of the Tournament weekend), broke numerous runs to the outside, preventing other teams from being able to have their D sit back in coverage.
Chrystal Alcock targets a receiver downfield.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brenna Leveille, Bridget Cambria, and Emily Nester caused fits for other teams’ attack, constantly stifling any attempt to move the ball up the middle and preventing their adversaries QBs from having any more than a couple of seconds to get rid of the ball. In the defensive backfield, Jojo Gauthier and Lisa Vincent were well in command, moving and adjusting their coverages and blitzes, making sure the few plays that got past scrimmage did not get too far past scrimmage.
Tex, Bridget Cambria, Emily Nester, Christine Elliot and Brenna Leveille line up as one hell of an imposing Defensive front.
Tricia scampers for yards while Lisa Vincent, Jojo Gauthier and Sherri Mooney block.
Congratulations to all the Intensity players and their teammates! Great job, Ladies!
10.16.10
Intensity Players Clean Up at Bench Press Competition
The 3rd Annual Cambridge Athletic Club Bench Press Competition was held Saturday, 10/16/10. Almost a dozen members of the Intensity participated in this event and they dominated the leader board.
The “Meat” (the Intensity’s affectionate term for players on either/both the Offensive and Defensive lines) acquitted itself quite well. Tackle Maia Goodall and Guard/Tackle Jennifer “Coco” Edwards each lifted the test weight for 21 clean repetitions (Coco, incidentally, was not exactly dressed for the occasion as her plans were to just cheer her teammates on—check out the video and photos of her lift, it is PRICELESS).
Maia, doing one of her amazing 21 repetitions!
Coco, our Queen of Fashion!
Coco, mid-set, gotta love the "workout" gear!
Tackle Torrance “T Brown” Brown, for all practical purposes, not having seen the inside of gym since giving birth to her oldest daughter 4 years ago, surprised everyone by banging out 16 perfect reps about 9 seconds before the contest closed.
T Brown, cranking out a machine-like 16 reps...just before, literally, rolling off the bench (see the video if you think we are kidding)!
Center Michelle Breden trekked down from New Hampshire and made a great first impression by knocking out 13 reps--of her own.
Michelle during her set!
DE Lisa Close, having, literally just finished a workout as the contest started, still gutted out an impressive 6 reps in a highly-fatigued state.
Here she is . . . enjoying the festivities (and her Wonder Woman snuggie purchased where else but UPSTATE) at Tommy Doyle's.
It would be the non-line personnel who, after bodyweight and the Wilks Coefficients were taken into account, would take top honors in this contest though. DB/LB Lisa Vincent pumped out 11 reps and narrowly edged out Coco for third place.
Vinny, who would spend the ensuing 90 minutes doing more chest exercises, easily handled the 95 lbs test weight.
DB Jen Stone, the smallest competitor that day, won 2nd place after grinding out 14 reps within half an hour of finishing up a spin class she taught.
Jen in the midst of her Silver Medal effort--notice the clip-in bike shoes she was wearing!
WR Tricia Donovan was the blue ribbon winner with her 17 rep effort (all the more impressive after her bizarre upper body cramping incident the evening before with a drink mixer. . . ). Congratulations to Tricia on her notching top honors!!
Tricia (the overall winner) sore chest and all, pushing up one of her 17 repetitions!
QB Rebecca Lopez, after weeks of claiming to be barely able to do handful of repetitions, nearly doubled that prediction by cranking out 9.
Rebecca, on rep #9!
And DB Andrea Covelli, perhaps the most technically precise lifter of them all, breezed through 6 reps before racking the weight.
As an aside, Doctor Marlene Berman, a new fan of the Intensity, participated in the contest and successfully performed two reps (almost got the third) . . . at 70 years of age!!!! Congratulations Marlene!!
Marlene during her attempt!
The competitors enjoyed a great lunch/drinks following the contest at Tommy Doyle’s Irish Pub in Kendall Square—thanks to those folks for hosting our gathering after the contest. And thanx due to Lesley Lopes and Rae Rae O'Neal who elected not to compete but did help out quite a bit behind the scenes!
10.6.10
LB Toni Cann recently was the subject of an article in The Patriot Ledger!!
Click Here for the full article.
Intensity Players Underutilized in 2010 IWFL All-Star Game
7.26.10
Round Rock, Texas – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), after a record-setting campaign in 2010 had 9 players and one coach voted onto the 2010 IWFL All Star Team. Of this group, WR/DB Tricia Donovan (making her 5th appearance on the All-Star team), RB Steph Samuelson (her 3rd selection) and Rookie TE/DB Brenna Leveille were able to make the trip to Round Rock, Texas (about 30 minutes north of Austin) over the weekend of July 22-25th for the Annual Championship and All-Star contests for the league.
Similar to 2009, the first year the IWFL held an actual full-contact All-Star game between the Eastern and Western Conferences, the Championship games were to be held on Saturday (the Tier 2 game with a 10am kickoff and the Tier 1 game with a 7pm kickoff). The All-Star game itself took place at 10am Sunday morning. And, like 2009, it was a real scorcher with temperatures in the high 90’s (well into the 100’s on the field turf surface of the stadium).
With well over 35 players on the Eastern Conference All Star squad, none of the Intensity players saw action until the 2nd quarter.
Brenna Leveille would see action as a tight end and receiver in that 2nd frame and would get a majority of the reps at tight end the 2nd half, doing an admirable job blocking against the West All-Stars (a part of her game that she readily admits, needs a lot of work) and showing great promise as a further-emerging star for New England.
Tricia Donovan got to play her natural position of wide receiver on several plays, however was only thrown to once—a pass well off the mark by the East QB. Strangely, she also would line up for a few plays as a running back (though the speculation was that the coaching staff for the East confused she and Steph Samuelson—there are no individual names on the All Star Jerseys and the two players are roughly the same height).
Interviewed after the game, Tricia offered the following hypothesis surrounding this mix up: "Since I somehow ended up with a linebacker's number, and Steph had a receiver's number, the coaches probably put me in as a full back and took Steph out thinking she was the receiver I was replacing. Who knows?".
Either way, the show must, and did, go on. Perhaps the best play for Tricia was in the 4th quarter when, lining up as a gunner on a kickoff, she outsprinted everyone on the coverage team to make the solo, open field tackle on the returner.
Samuelson, fresh off a 1,207 yard rushing season, would barely leave the sideline, seeing playing time on only about a dozen plays with only one carry—on which she was hung out to dry on an option but still managed to avoid two tacklers and take what should have been a 7 yard loss and turn it into a 1 yard loss.
In the end, the final score was 43-12 in favor of the West (though it was 43-0 late in the 4th and the last 6 points were a gratuitous interception returned for a TD as time expired). This victory may have provided some consolation to the Western Conference as both of their representative teams in the Championship games were defeated by their Eastern Conference counterparts (with the Montreal Blitz defeating the Bay Area Bandits, winning their 2nd title in 3 years, and the Boston Militia trouncing the Sacramento Sirens 39-7).
Getting back to the All-Star match, as cliché as it sounds, the game was never a close as the lopsided score would indicate. The East offense could never get in anything resembling a groove—they would be a minus-5 on the turnover margin, have three snaps sail over the head of the QB or Punter, and have a punting average well below 20 yards per punt.
Would the outcome have been better for the east if the New England All Stars saw more of the field? Well, no way of knowing for sure, but considering the three players from the Intensity had about 3,000 yards of offense and almost 30 touchdowns between them this season, it is hard to imagine things would have been any worse.
Maybe next year.
-END-
2010 IWFL All Stars Announced
6/15/10
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), was pleased to learn that (9) of it’s players and the Head Coach were elected to the 2010 Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Captain RB Steph Samuelson, WR/DB Tricia Donovan and DB Jojo Gauthier were voted in as starters on the 2010 All Star Team along with Head Coach Jason Fernald. DE Bridget Cambria, LB/FB Charlene Casey, Captain OL/DL Kim Herrig, Rookie TE/DB Brenna Leveille, QB Rebecca Lopez, and DB/LB Lisa Vincent were selected as All Star Reserves. Congratulations to all of our 2010 All Stars!
The process by which All Stars are selected is as follows: Each Franchise nominates not more than 20-25% of their roster to be voted on for All Star/All Star Reserve status. Those nominated players with the most votes are All Stars while those with fewer make the All Star Reserves, and those with fewer still receive no recognition beyond their individual franchise’s nomination. A sizable percentage of players nominated are not elected to either All Star or All Star Reserve status.
While the IWFL operates a multi-tier system, with Tiers I and II have separate playoff brackets and minimal cross-tier play during the regular season, there is no such separation for the All Star Game. Tier I and Tier II players elected to their respective conference’s All Star Teams play along side each other. With approximately 50 teams in the IWFL and approximately 1,500 players, less than 100 will participate in the All Star game—less than 7%, so it is quite an honor to earn this distinction.
Starting in 2009, the IWFL held a full-contact All Star Game between the Eastern and Western Conferences as described above. It was such a success that they decided to do the same in 2010. This game will be played on Sunday, July 25th, in Round Rock, Texas, during the Championship Weekend (where the Tier I and Tier II Championship games the day prior).
Steph, coming off of a great season in 2009 where she was an All Star Reserve for the first time in her career, she was even more spectacular in 2010, amassing 1,207 yards on 236 carries, including 45 first downs and 17 touchdowns—each a personal and franchise single season record. She was the team’s 3rd leading receiver, making 10 catches for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns as well.
Tricia, earning All Star Status for the 5th consecutive season, had her best year ever as well. Setting personal bests in receptions (20), receiving yards (405—also a franchise record), receiving TDs (6—tying her franchise record), punt return average (21.1 yards), solo tackles (13) and passes defended (5), she also had 197 kickoff return yards (on 11 attempts), averaged 5.0 yards per carry running the ball, and had a quarterback rating of 83.3.
Jojo, also having earned her first trip to the All Star game last season (as an alternate), led the team with 25 solo tackles (even more than she had in 2009) and 3 interceptions. She was 2nd in total tackles, had 4 passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
2010 is Bridget “Big Play” Cambria’s first trip to the All Star game and she sure did earn it, leading the team in sacks (5.5), forced fumbles (3), and fumble recoveries (3). She also had 23 tackle assists, a pass defended and a safety.
Charlene, in her triumphant return to the Intensity after a two year hiatus, jumped in and made an immediate impact. She did a lion’s share of the dirty work in the middle stopping opposing offense’s running game, tallying 46 tackle assists (2nd most on the team) and 36 total tackles (3rd most). Also making her presence known against the pass, she was tied for 2nd on the team with 2.5 sacks. Though there is not really a stat for, her punishing blocking helped propel a record-setting year for the Intensity offense (points scored, passing yards, and most rushing yards by a single player).
Kim, playing amongst the most thankless of positions, especially in terms of statistics (OG and DT) was a standout performer all season long, heralded by both the coaching staff and her teammates. She was 2nd amongst all interior linemen in total tackles and was tied for the team lead with 3 fumble recoveries. She, too, was an integral part of Samuelson’s and Lopez success at running and passing the ball, respectively.
Brenna, in her rookie season, proved to be one of the most versatile, coachable, and athletic players on the team. Starting out as a Tight End and switching to Wide Receiver after injuries depleted the WRs, Brenna led the team with 23 receptions and was 2nd on the team in receiving yards (329—good for 3rd most in a season all-time for the Intensity) and 2nd on the team with 4 receiving TDs. When injuries in the defensive backfield forced her to play a greater role on D as the season wore on, she would finish with 11 solo tackles, 14 tackles assists, half a sack and a pass defended.
Rebecca, having suffered through a miserable winless season in her rookie year playing for the [now three times defunct] Holyoke Hurricanes in 2009, found new life for her fledgling football career as a QB with New England in 2010. Her considerable athletic potential and personal character were put to good use for the Intensity and though a great deal of effort on her part, Rebecca passed for 883 yards (2nd most in a season all-time for the franchise), 12 TD passes (also good for 2nd all-time in a season), 24 first downs and only 6 sacks and 9 interceptions on 151 passing attempts.
Vinny, making an improbable comeback after a catastrophic fracture of her tibia during the 2009 season did not just return, but did so with a vengeance. She would have one of the greatest seasons a defensive player would ever have for the Intensity. Setting a new single season record for the franchise with 68 tackle assists and tying the all-time single season total tackle mark (56), she would also lead the team with 8 passes defended. Additionally, she forced 2 fumbles, had a sack, and recovered one fumble.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald, in his 2nd season with the team, built and improved upon the strides made in his first season by setting new single season marks in wins (8), consecutive wins (8), total points (239), points per game (26.6), total yards (3,130), yards per game (343.7), passing yards (991), and yards per completion (16.0). The team also improved it’s defense significantly by surrendering just 13.4 points per game (the fewest ever in the 7 years the Intensity has been in the IWFL) while getting 17 fumble recoveries and 125 fumble recovery yards (both new all-time single season marks). The team also reached a new high with an average 18.2 yards per punt return. This comprehensive improvement accurately reflects Jason’s philosophy, focus, effort and passion for the Intensity and for the game of football.
Congratulations to our 2010 All-Stars and, perhaps more importantly, congratulations to every member of the Intensity who’s hard work made the recognition of the All-Stars possible!
-END-
Numerous Improvements Made, Records Set in 2010
6/30/10
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), through months of hard work by then entire organization, had a record-setting run in 2010.
Beginning back in August of 2009 with the optional team and individual training sessions, Head Coach Jason Fernald began immediately addressing the single greatest goal the organization had after 2009: To further improve the passing game. Fernald quickly identified 2nd year player Rebecca Lopez (a quarterback on the three-times defunct Holyoke Hurricanes in 2009) as having tremendous potential for the Intensity. Their continuous and steady work throughout the off-season and pre-season (and in-season) would ultimately result in the most passing yards by the Intensity in a single season ever: 991 to be exact (16.0 yards per completion—also a single season team record), good for 42% of the yards from scrimmage for New England in 2010 (way up from 385 yards and 22% in 2009). 883 of these passing yards and 12 of the passing TDs were Lopez’, the second most yards and TD passes by a QB in a season in team history.
Greatly assisting this revamped passing attack in 2010 was a healthy WR Tricia Donovan, who would not have to play traditional QB in any significant capacity, unlike the previous two seasons where she had to fill in quite often there. She would set personal and franchise records for receiving yards (405) and receiving TDs (6) in 2010. Donovan’s impressive 2010 receiving stats were complemented by Rookie TE Brenna Leveille, who was right on Donovan’s heels hauling in 23 catches for 329 yards and 4 TDs. All-world RB Steph Samuelson was a third legitimate receiving threat, catching 10 passes for 126 yards and 2 TDs.
The O line, by and large, had a stand out year, with the 2009 starters all eventually returning in 2010 (OT Torrance Brown missed the first two games of the 2010 season recovering from the late February birth of her 2nd child). The team surrendered only 6 sacks all season, an all-time low.
This, along with Samuelson’s record shattering 1207 rushing yards, 45 first downs and 17 rushing TDs (her 19 total TDs in 2010 were also a new single season record) clearly were big parts in the improved air attack—forcing opposing defenses to [continue to] respect the run.
Steph also scampered for a 65 yard TD run, erasing a long-standing record of 64 yards for longest rushing play from scrimmage and longest TD run. Further, she tied her own record for most TD in a game (4) and broke her record for total yards in a single game (269)—both during contests versus the Southern Maine Rebels.
In almost unbelievable fashion, even though there was such an enormous improvement in the passing game from 2009 to 2010, the Intensity actually rushed even more yards in 2010 than they did in 2009.
The 239 total points scored in 2010, a 26.6 points per game average was far better than the 167 total points (19.0 game/average) in 2009, and an all-time franchise single-season record. Additionally, the 347.8 yards per game (inclusive of passing, rushing, and return yards) was also a new franchise best set in 2010.
For the first time ever, the Intensity had a perfect regular season record: 8-0. For this to have occurred, another first took place . . . Going into overtime—double overtime actually—defeating the Erie Illusion on the road in the last game of the regular season 27-20 (after the game was tied at 14 when regulation ended), scoring 6 points in the first period and 7 points in the second to come away with the amazing win!
Another team mark was set in 2010, that being the most points scored—56—at the expense of the outspoken Southern Maine Rebels up in Portland in late May.
On the defensive side of the ball, DB/LB Lisa Vincent, returning from a catastrophic broken leg suffered early in the 2009 season, tied an all time record for total tackles in a single season and broke the record for tackle assists (68), passes defended (8), and special teams total tackles (15.5). Vinny also tied the single game record for most tackle assists (13) versus the Southern Maine Rebels.
All-around defensive standout DE Bridget Cambria broke the single season sack record, tallying 5.5 last season, giving her 8.5 for her career-good for 2nd best all-time, half a sack behind LB Charlene Casey who, in her return to the Blue in 2010 after a two year absence, notched 2.5 sacks, pushing her career total to 9. Cambria also forced 3 fumbles, yet another single season all-time best.
Long-time Captain OL/DL Jennifer “Coco” Edwards set a couple of unsuspecting records during the regular season finale in Erie. She alertly picked up a fumble on the Intensity 10 yard line and sprinted 90 yards for a touchdown—obliterating the previous marks for longest fumble recovery and longest fumble recovery for a TD.
The team defense was much improved as well from 2009 to 2010. Giving up 35 fewer points—almost 4 fewer per game—in 2010. The D also had 13 more passes defended, 3 more fumbles recovered, 120 more fumble recovery yards, 1more forced fumble, 1 more safety, 1.5 more sacks, 51 more solo tackles, 109 more tackle assists and 111.5 more total tackles in 2010 than 2009.
Another goal was to improve the return game, largely through Donovan’s effort and ability (and the staff’s willingness to allow her to do it), there was a major upgrade from 2009 to 2010. Specifically, the team’s 18.2 average punt return yards was not only a single season team record, but was a far cry better than the 4.6 average in 2009. Donovan’s 232 punt return yards on 11 attempts was good for a personal single season best (21.1 average). Assuming a larger role in the kickoff return game (appropriately so) in 2010 compared to the pervious season, Donovan averaged 17.9 yards per kickoff return on 11 returns this year (the rest of the team averaged only 7.6 yards on 13 total attempts), whereas the rest of the team averaged just 12.3 yards per kickoff return in 2009.
Sophomore Kicker Kerri Richardson set single season records with PAT attempts (27) and PAT made (19), tying the single season record for points by placekicking (19). She also has made the most PATs all-time for the franchise (31). Despite numerous squib kicks being called, she also set a personal record for average kickoff yards (32.3, up from 30.1 in her rookie year). Her 8 for 8 PAT performance was yet another franchise single game best.
All in all, the long list of individual accomplishments last season accurately reflected what was the most successful season the Intensity has had (thus far) in 2010. And all of these improvements are due almost exclusively to the hard work on the part of the staff and players who, for many months, diligently plied their trades to make themselves and the organization better!
Kudos to all. Not just those who set the records, but to every single player and coach because football is the quintessential team sport. No single player would be able to do much of anything without her 10 teammates on the game field with her (nor without the rest of the squad during the all-important practices).
-END-
June 12, 2010
Intensity Loses Quarterfinal Playoff Match in Montreal
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), a week removed from an amazing comeback, double-overtime road victory to cap their first ever 8-0 regular season, took their show on the road for the 1st round playoff game versus the 2008 Champion and 2009 Runner-Up Montreal Blitz. Unfortunately for New England, Montreal brought their A Game and played like a team on a mission, soundly beating the Intensity 53-14.
Facing and dealing with adversity and distraction all season, New England would encounter more still--with several players being extensively delayed crossing the border on Saturday morning (the Gran Prix weekend made staying in Montreal all but impossible, so the team stayed an hour south in Plattsburgh, NY). As such, 6 players (all of them starters in some capacity) would arrive to the game field well over an hour late and shortly before kickoff.
The Blue hung in well for the first quarter. Richardson’s kick was well-covered by Rookie Brenna Leveille, holding the returner to just a 6 yard runback, bringing her down at the Blitz 40. The high-flying Montreal offense came out passing; however, the well-prepared Intensity D, led by Defensive Coaches Mike Nelson and Jim Callahan, had their opponent extensively scouted and had the New England troops positioned perfectly and DB Jojo Gauthier made a nice interception—she was drilled on the play, shaken up, but would leave the field under her own power and quickly return to action.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald, like his Canadian counterparts, came out passing. QB Rebecca Lopez’ pass attempt to open the game was incomplete. A further bad sign was the 2nd down draw by Captain RB Steph Samuelson was jammed a yard behind scrimmage. Samuelson then was stuffed for no gain on 3rd and 11, forcing the Intensity to punt (the first of 8 punts that Gauthier would kick during this game). A high snap did not help Gauthier’s plight any and her punt actually went for negative yards, with the returner tackled one yard on the Intensity’s side of where scrimmage was.
The Blitz would take over on the Intensity 43 and attempt 3 straight runs picking up a first down on a measurement. A short pass play on the ensuing play moved the ball to the NE 30. A holding call on the 10 yard rush on 2nd down pushed the home team back to the 40 yard line of New England. Leveille (6 solo tackles, 3 tackle assists) defended the Blitz pass, and another pass on 3rd down was errant. Still playing it cautious, Montreal punted, hoping to pin the Intensity deep and continue to keep the upper hand in the field position battle. Their plan worked well as the punt was downed at the NE 20.
New England had another 3-and-out ahead of a punt—a short 15 yarder that was also returned for 15 yards, giving the home team great field position that was further aided by a late hit call on the Blue, setting Montreal up with 1st and 10 from the 15. Two plays later, Montreal was up 6-0, 7-0 after the PAT, with 6:50 left in the 1st quarter.
WR/DB Tricia Donovan (4 solo tackles, 1 tackle assist) returned the Blitz kickoff 15 yards—in one of the few bright spots for New England, she’d break the all-time single game record for kickoff return yards with 102 in total, averaging 17.0 per return. Samuelson, playing like a true warrior on her injured ankle, picked up 4 yards on first down (she’d end the day with 84 yards for the day and an amazing 1207 yards for the season, shattering her record from last season). After no gain on 2nd down by FB/LB Kate Miechkowski, Samuelson gained 4 more before Lopez hit Gauthier for a 31 yard pass play, moving the ball all the way to the Montreal 10. Three straight runs by Samuelson resulted in a her 17th Rushing TD for the season (another record) and, more pertinently, a 7-6 score that Richradson would tie up with a successful PAT.
With barely 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter, New England had largely hung with the Blitz thus far. A modest return on the kickoff was negated by a 15 yard penalty on the receiving team and the Blue D had 75 yards behind them to work with . . . the Intensity was feeling pretty good at this point that this would be a truly exciting, close game. That feeling evaporated quickly as Montreal struck for a 75 yard TD pass to go up 13-7 (the PAT was no good).
New England had another 3 and out as Lopez was off the mark on three consecutive passes and Gauthier punted away. The Blitz began to pound away with the run, rattling off rushes of 5, 10, 2, and 15 yards as the 1st quarter ended. Shortly after the 2nd half started, the Blue was in dire need of a big defensive play as the Montreal offensive was now on the Intensity 15 yard line. A bad snap by the Blitz caused a fumble that DE Lisa Close, gamely playing on a still-injured ankle, recovered at the NE 27.
Unfortunately, the O could not take advantage of the 2nd takeaway by the D, going 3 and out once again. The home team would score 7 plays later, taking a 19-7 lead (the PAT missed wide left). Gauthier fumbled the kickoff return after one yard but fortunately recovered her fumble. Fernald’s Offense continued to struggle, picking up zero yards on a 1st down run followed by two incomplete pass attempts. Gauthier bobbled a snap that did not appear to be off the mark and barely got the ball away under heavy pressure, resulting in another punt for negative yards and Montreal taking over on the NE 22. One play later, the visitors were down 25-7. The PAT was good and the deficit stood at 26-7 with 7:41 left in the 2nd.
For the better part of the next two quarters, things would not get better for the Intensity. Another 3 and out was followed by a good defensive stand, highlighted by a solid run stop by Captain OL/DL Maia Goodall and LB Charlene Casey on 1st down, a sack for a 3 yard loss by DE Bridget Cambria on 2nd down, and a tackle for loss by DL/OL Torrance Brown and Casey on 3rd down, forcing the Blitz to punt.
Samuelson picked up 14 yards on the ground on the first play after the punt, however, Lopez’ pass was picked off at the Montreal 20 and returned 21 yards before Captain OL/DL Kim Herrig ran down the Blitz player. The wheels began to fall off at this point, as two long runs later (35 and 23 yards) brought the home team to the Intensity 1 yard line where they promptly scored on a dive play to take a 25 point lead in the closing minute of the 2nd quarter. Goodall blocked the PAT to keep the score 32-7. The Blue was not able to do much of anything with the ball in waning seconds of the first half and went into the break with that score looming over them.
The body language told the story at half time, the Intensity, having given up several long plays and unable to establish their own offense with any measure of consistency, was searching for answers. Compounding the problem were their special teams difficulties. The speed and ability to execute that Montreal possessed was looking to be too much for this year’s Intensity squad to handle—especially when there were many fundamental and controllable aspects of the game that the visitors were underperforming on (namely tackling and blocking).
New England would receive the ball to start the 3rd quarter, so there was cause for some optimism that Montreal would come out flat and New England could cut into the lead quickly. Donovan did her part, returning the kick 25 yards. However, Lopez was intercepted again, this time on the very first offensive play of the second half.
Montreal would go on a 12-play, morale-crushing drive that included a 31 yard pass play and a 15 yard run that culminated in another Blitz touchdown.
Samuelson did get a lane or two to run as she managed 18 and 20 yard runs on the next Intensity possession, however the offense stalled again and they would ultimately turn the ball over on downs. Montreal, after two big plays of their own on their next possession similarly mired and would punt away. No matter, after a 23 yard screen pass to Samuelson, the visitors would soon be punting again—another bad snap forced another poor punt that dribbled out of bounds at the NE 48, only 11 yards down field from scrimmage.
The Blitz wasted no time, scoring yet again on a 48-yard run that, literally, 7 different defenders had a chance to make a tackle on. The PAT was good and Montreal had a 46-7 lead to open the 4th quarter.
New England’s offense, still stuck in park, was punting again after a 3 and out. Gauthier’s 5 yard punt was then returned for a touchdown that, fortunately for NE, was called back due to a roughing the punter call. The Blue would take advantage of this second chance. A 14 yard pass from Lopez (8 for 27, 108 yards, 5 1st downs and a TD) to Donovan and two separate passes of 11 yards to Leveille, including a TD pass highlighted a drive that gave the visitors a modicum of respectability as the score, after Richradson’s PAT, was now 46-14.
The home team, wanting to send a clear message, did not let off the gas. Ripping of runs of 11, 13 and 15 yards on a drive that ended with a 5 yard TD run. The PAT was true and the score was now 53-14 with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. This would be the final score, the most point the Blue had ever allowed in the post season as well as the greatest point differential (for what it is worth, the 14 points the Intensity scored was the most points they have ever scored in their 4 playoff contests).
The inability to tackle made the speedy Blitz squad all the more problematic for the D. The 179 yards passing on 11 receptions was good for a 16.3 yard per catch average, while they scorched their guests on the ground to the tune of 276 yards on 31 carries—almost 9 yards per run—including 10 carries of 10 yards or more. Conversely, New England rushed for only 88 yards on 27 carries (3.3 yards per run) and made 8 receptions for 108 yards (13.5 yards per catch average) on 28 attempts. The average punt yardage of 14.8 yards contributed to the Intensity losing the battle of field position (having an average starting field position of the NE 37 while Montreal started on their 46 on average). It all added up to a lopsided Montreal victory and a disappointing end to the greatest Intensity season to date.
-END-
June 5, 2010
Intensity Wins First Ever OT Game, Goes 8-0!
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), coming off a record-setting effort in Portland, Maine the week prior (hanging 8 touchdowns on the Southern Maine Rebels, effectively welding their mouths shut) had to travel 450 miles west to Erie, Pennsylvania for their final regular season game of 2010. What would unfold was, effectively, three games in one with the Intensity seizing control early, falling behind late, and rallying to come from behind in overtime to eventually win 27-20 against a spirited and well-prepared Illusion team in front of a very noisy crowd.
Heeding the warnings of the staff to not travel on Saturday, the Intensity players made the trek (about half by air, half by car) on Friday to western Pennsylvania. The weather for the Saturday afternoon tilt was warm, humid and unsettled, with the skies looking as if they would open up at any moment. The Eire field turf held and added to the heat making things a bit uncomfortable for both teams’ players.
Erie received the opening kickoff from New England and returned it 14 yards to their own 44 before DE Lisa Close (1 solo tackles and 4 tackles assists—good for 2nd best on the team) and Lisa Paulson brought her down. The home team began what would be a 13 play drive with a 6 yard run on which Rookie LB Erica Adams made the tackle (she’d end up with 2 solo and 2 assisted tackles). The Illusion picked up 6 more and a first down on the next play, with DB/LB Lisa Vincent (2 solo tackles and a team-leading 5 tackle assists) and Rookie DB/.TE Brenna Leveille combining for the stop. DB/P Jojo Gauthier and Close held the RB to 4 yards on the 2nd down attempt with DE Bri Giarrusso (1 solo tackle and a team leading 5 tackle assists) and Captain OL/DL Kim Herrig slamming the door on the 4th consecutive running play after just 3 yards, bringing up 3rd and 3 from the Intensity 37. Undaunted, the home team ran again and gained what they needed and then some—8 yards, to be exact—to move the chains. Close, off to one heck of game, played her position to perfection on the next play, reading the field, shedding her block and tackling the ball carrier for a one yard loss. Erie decided to shake it up a bit and attempt a pass, to no avail, resulting in 3rd and 11. They went back to the ground game and picked up 4 yards before veteran LB Stacey Martin dealt the Illusion a 4th and 7 from the NE 26. Having just lost 28-8 to NE two weeks prior, Erie decided to roll the dice with the great field position they presently enjoyed and went for it. They were successful with a pass that picked up 19 yards and moved to inside the Intensity 10. Captain DL/OL Jennifer “Coco” Edwards stood tall on the 1st down play, picking up a one yard tackle for loss, then Coco (2 solo tackles and 2 tackle assists) and Close slammed the door on the RB at scrimmage on 2nd and Goal. Erie would try a pass on 3rd down that was defended by Vincent and went incomplete. The Illusion then elected to attempt a field goal (the ball would be spotted at the Intensity 20), which had plenty of leg but hit the left upright and bounced harmlessly away, keeping the score at 0-0, despite a very impressive drive.
With 80 yards to go and wanting to give the Blue D a chance to catch their breath and try and figure out a way to stop the Illusion running game, Fernald called on Samuelson, who delivered a solid 5 yards on first down. Lopez would link up with her most productive target, WR/QB/DB Tricia Donovan, for a 38 yard pass play moving the ball all the way inside the Illusion 40. Samuelson was held to two yards on the next play, largely due to being facemasked (giving NE another 5 yards), and 5 yards on the play after that. A block on the back on the visiting team pushed the Intensity back to the EE36 and a false start shoved them 5 yards further back still. Lopez and Samuelson could not successfully link up on a screen pass to the left on 1st and 26, moving Fernald to break out the Cougar, hoping to catch the Illusion off-guard. Donovan (4 catches for 80 yards, 2 first downs and a TD, as well as 2 for 2 for 40 yards and a 1st down passing) completed a pass to Rookie TE/DB Brenna Leveille for 6 yards, then one for 34 yards to Lopez, who just missed getting the ball over the goal line before she was brought down. Donovan’s keeper was stopped for no gain, but Samuelson came in on 2nd and goal and plowed in for a TD as the 1st quarter came to a close. Richardson’s PAT was blocked, keeping the score at 6-0.
Richardson boomed a 37 yard kickoff that Erie returned for 16 yards, eventually being stopped by Adams, Vincent and Rookie DB Jen Stone. Erie picked up where they left off with their running success . . . gaining 7 yards on first down before Giarrusso and Close tackled the RB. Edwards held strong on 2nd down, keeping the play to only 3 yards—however, that was enough for a first down. The Illusion then struck for 33 yards on the ground, causing NE to take a timeout. The timeout did not seem to have much effect as the home team then gashed the Blue for 20 more rushing yards, with the ball now all the way inside the Intensity 10. Vincent and Captain OL/DL Maia Goodall were an immovable object on 1st and goal, stopping the rush attempt at scrimmage. On 2nd down, Goodall and Donovan (3 solo tackles, 4 tackle assists) got behind the Illusion line and stopped the runners two yards in the backfield, Donovan actually jarred the ball loose and Edwards scooped it up and took it 90 yards to paydirt with Donovan and a host of other Intensity players providing cover along the way! This impressive fumble recovery was the longest in Intensity history and put the visitors up 12-0 with 10:21 left in the 2nd. Samuelson converted the 2 point attempt (run) and NE went up by 14.
New England’s woes on kickoff coverage continued, surrendering 20 yards on this one, giving Erie the ball 2 yards their side of midfield. Other woes would continue, that being big run plays surrendered on 1st down . . . 14 yards this time. The Illusion would hurt themselves a bit on the next play, getting flagged for a delay of game. Trying to run again on 1st and 15, their RB had the misfortunate of meeting with the biggest player on NE, DT/OT Torrance Brown—who got off her block very well—three yards deep in the backfield . . . do the math on what the result was.
On 2nd and 18 Erie tried their luck in the air to no avail, as DE Bridget Cambria hit the QB as she threw and the pass went incomplete. LB Stacey Martin kept the ensuing run to only 2 yards as the QB scampered to the right, bringing up 4th and 16 from the NE 44 and a punt by the home squad. A very well struck punt (34 yards) was returned 7 yards by Donovan to the Intensity 17, where the O would take over.
Samuelson grabbed 5 yards on first down but was held to no gain on 2nd. Lopez linked up with Donovan again, this time for 10 yards and another first down (Lopez would finish the game with 156 yards passing—9 for 28—2 TDs and 5 1st downs). The reverse run on the next play was run for no gain as Vincent drifted and ran into Sameulson in the backfield (the damage from this play could have been a lot worse). The O kept its composure, Lopez dumping off a screen pass to the left to Samuelson who made it 16 yards beyond scrimmage, keeping the chains moving in the right direction. She would misfire on the next play, though Steph picked up 10 more yards (15 rushes, 53 yards, 2 first downs, a TD and a 2 point conversion, as well as 2 catches for 41 yards—a first down and a TD) spotting the ball to the EE 41. Another untimely penalty by the Intensity (a false start this time) moved the O back 5 yards. The O line struggled on the next play as Samuelson picked up only one yard as the two minute warning was sounded. Lopez, on a broken play, picked up 4 yards before throwing an incomplete pass on 3rd and 11 from the EE41. DB/P Jojo Gauthier, who has struggled most of the season with punting, had her punt downed 18 yards from scrimmage.
Though Erie has had substantial success on the ground thus far, the clock was ticking rapidly towards halftime and they had to take to the air. Too bad for New England as the home team was able to move the ball through the air almost with impunity . . . slicing their way forward with pass plays of 20, 24, and 14 yards in the first 4 plays, marching the ball all the way to the NE 19. With the D reeling, Cambria came up huge on the 1st and 10 halfback pass play, making the tackle on the halfback forcing a fumble that Giarrusso fell on, ending the dangerous Illusion drive and giving the ball back to the visitors.
Samuelson was held to just 3 yards on first down and Leveille dropped a very catchable pass by Lopez on 2nd down. On the 3rd and 7 run play, Intensity Nation witnessed what they always hoped they never would see . . . Samuelson not getting up after the play. She would leave the game and immediately have her shoe taken off, and ice bag placed on her ankle while lying supine on the sideline beside DE Lisa Close, who as doing the same as she was injured on an earlier play. The team did admirably in the short term, with LB/FB Kate Miechkowski gaining 17 yards two plays after Steph left the game. However, Vincent was then stuffed for a one yard loss and Miechkowski was held to no gain as the half ended. Though New England held a two TD lead, between Samuelson’s and Close’s injuries and the way the home team was able to move the ball, the momentum had perceptibly shifted in Erie’s favor. The general mood of the team at halftime certainly reflected this as there was not much in the way of enthusiasm or emotion present.
One thing in NE’s favor was that they would receive the ball to start the 3rd quarter and the always-dangerous Donovan would do her part to give the depleted Intensity offense some good field position. The Erie kicker blasted a 41 yarder that Tricia was able to return for 19 yards. The patchwork running game that the Intensity would try and get by with in Samuelson’s absence would not work out very well. Gauthier was hit 4 yards behind scrimmage (not her fault) on 1st down. Lopez’ 2nd down pass was batted down, but she bounced back and completed a pass to Vincent for a 13 yard gain—just short of a first down. Miechkowski was able to grind out just enough for a first down. Lopez had to throw the ball away on 1st down, ahead of a two yard rush by Gauthier. Personnel confusion forced Fernald to burn a timeout . . . not a very productive one as the offense brain-farted (illegal procedure), putting NE in 3rd and 13 from their 45. Vincent was interfered with on the pass attempt by Lopez on the next play, giving the visitors a welcome gift: 1st and 10 form the Erie 44. Looking like they might gain a little traction and pad their lead, Lopez connected with a tight play to Donovan, good for 8 yards and a 2nd and 2 inside the EE 40. Gauthier took another negative gain on the ground (minus three this time), but was hit by Lopez for a 10 yard gain and a first down on the next. Deciding that the run game just was not getting it done, Fernald dispensed with it, calling Lopez’ number on four straight plays . . . unfortunately the result was 4 straight incomplete passes and a turnover on downs.
With New England’s opening drive of the 2nd half fizzling on the EE 29, the home team took over. DE Nancy O’Loughlin (1 solo, 2 tackle assists), in for the injured Close, held the line and kept the first down rush attempt to an uncharacteristic zero yards. On 2nd and 10, Cambria came within inches of a sack, however the Illusion QB did get the pass off and picked up 7 yards. Vincent, closing the gap quickly, tackled the receiver on the next play for a one yard loss. The strong stand by the D, stemming what seemed to be the rising tide of the Erie onslaught, forced a short punt that was downed at the NE 44.
Vincent, the latest player Fernald would try to plug in for Samuelson, did manage 15 yards on first down, thanx to her swift feet and some decent blocking up front by the O Line: Goodall, Brown, Edwards, Herrig and Center Bettyann Perry. Lopez was flagged for an intentional grounding penalty on the next play . . . and things did not improve much on the play after that as Miechkowski was only able to pick up 2 yards. Gauthier dropped a Lopez pass on 3rd down and stayed on to punt on 4th , unfortunately managing just an 8 yarder, teeing up Erie on their 42.
Giarrusso put a lick on the Illusion QB on first down, causing the pass attempt to fall incomplete. The 2nd down pass attempt was also off the mark, leading the Erie staff to go back to the run—with much success as they gained 14 and 17 yards, respectively, on the next two plays before Vincent took a stand and stood up the RB for no gain on 1st and 10 from the NE 27. This success at stopping the run was short-lived as the home team then gained 9 yards and 13 yards, moving the ball to the NE 5, where they pounded it in on the next play to get on the board 14-6 with 1:26 left in the 3rd. The PAT was blocked by Brown, giving a small lift to the Blue.
Erie’s kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Intensity the ball on their 35. The offense would continue to struggle, as Vincent was stopped a yard deep in the backfield on 1st down, the line false started on 2nd and Lopez misfired to Donovan after the penalty. She then threw an interception that was returned 32 yards to inside the New England 10 as the 3rd quarter ended.
As she has done almost all season, Cambria came up with a big play at a very opportune time. A 4 yard tackle for loss on the first down run gave the D a little breathing room; however, this was a brief pause as the Illusion completed a touchdown pass (despite an obvious shove by the receiver on Gauthier who as attempting to cover her) to bring the score to 14-12. After a timeout, Erie came out going for 2 and converted the pass to tie the game less than two minutes into the 4th quarter. With it looking like Samuelson was done for the day and Erie having scored twice in less than 4 minutes, to say the Intensity was concerned was an understatement.
A booming 42 yard kickoff was returned 19 yards by Gauthier, giving the O 63 yards to go for a TD to hopefully give the beleaguered defense a break. Lopez connected with Leveille for a 12 yard strike, bringing NE close to midfield. The running woes persisted though, as Miechkowski and Vincent managed zero total yards between them
on the next two plays. A holding penalty on 3rd down was declined as Donovan picked up nothing on the reverse, and Gauthier lined up to punt yet again. She uncorked a decent one that was downed at the EE 18.
Cambria would strike again! This time recovering a fumble forced by Vincent on the first down run and giving the ball back to the O on the EE21, a prime opportunity to come away with some more points and put some distance between them and the resurgent home squad. Providing a huge emotional boost, Samuelson returned to action, though she only picked up two yards. The Illusion, clearly not ready to roll over, played like maniacs, sacking Lopez on the next two plays, pushing the O back to the Erie 27. Adding insult to injury was a delay of game penalty and Fernald had to send out the punt team. Gauthier’s punt rolled into the endzone and would net just 12 yards.
The D would have to stay tough as there was still a lot of time left on the game clock. LB Charlene Casey and O’Louhglin teamed up for the tackle on the first down run after just two yards gained. Vincent and Giarrusso then sliced in for a tackle 3 yards deep on the 2nd down run play. Erie, however, completed a 21yard pass play to pick up a first down and then some. Another big defensive play was about to happen, this time by Rookie LB Erica Adams who picked off the pass and returned it 6 yards to the Erie 39, setting the offense up with great field position once again.
Samuelson appeared to be well enough to continue and was able to grab 5 yards on first down. A holding call on NE on 2nd down erased that positive and Lopez had to throw the ball away under duress after the penalty. Steph weaved her way to an 8 yard gain, spotting the ball at the EE 37 with the down marker reading 4th and needing 7 more yards to move the chains. Fernald elected to go for it, but Lopez’ pass was intercepted at the EE15 and returned 23 yards before Herrig made the tackle.
Time was winding down quickly. The Illusion, looking to catch New England napping, attempted the halfback pass that, thankfully, fell incomplete. A short pass play was kept a short gain as Donovan, seeing a lot of time at DB, brought the receiver down immediately after just one yard. Erie did notch another 9 yards on the 2nd down pass play, earning them a new set of downs. Casey and O’Loughlin combined again for a solid tackle of the Erie RB after just two yards, resulting in 2nd and 8 from midfield. The screen pass left was read by Donovan and Miechkowski and they knifed in and brought down the receiver for a 3 yard loss. Erie called a time out to talk things over for their upcoming 3rd and 11. Cambria and Giarrusso brought the pressure and the pass was errant, but a phantom pass interference call on Gauthier served up 1st and 10 for the home team on their 33. A makeup call (a block in the back on Erie) came next and was followed by another incomplete pass to close out the 4th quarter with the score tied at 14.
Having never been in an overtime game before, there was some confusion amongst the Intensity (and, probably amongst the Illusion, too) as to what the format of the OT would be. As it turns out, each team would get the ball from their opponents 25 and whoever ended with more points after one such possession each would win. Erie would have the ball first and ran right off the bat—gaining 8 yards before Donovan made the tackle. They gained 9 more, good for a 1st and goal from the 8. Herrig and Brown slammed the door shut on the ensuing run, but an offsides call negated this great play and moved the ball to the NE 4. Erie would dive in for a TD on the next play, but would fail to convert the pass attempt for 2 points, taking a 20-14 lead. All the pressure was now on the Intensity offense to keep pace and preserve New England’s perfect regular season and post-season hopes.
Samuelson picked up just one yard on the first-ever overtime play for New England as the O-Line continued to struggle—not a good start. Lopez took to the air on 2nd and 9 and hit Donovan, the franchise’s all-time receiving leader, on the left side who slashed into the endzone to tie the game! A made PAT would end the game in the Intensity’s favor . . . too bad for New England that a relentless Erie squad got the better of the NE PAT team, pouncing on Richardson’s kick attempt and blocking it, knotting the score at 20-20 and forcing a second overtime period.
The visitors would start with the ball first in the 2nd OT and Fernald had Lopez come out slinging. Her first down pass was incomplete, but, as in the 1st OT, her pass on 2nd down was complete . . . for a Touchdown! This time the pass went to Samuelson in almost storybook fashion, pushing the Intensity ahead 26-20. Better blocking and a quicker snap gave Richardson a fighting chance to convert her PAT and she split the uprights to give NE a 7 point lead. The O did its part, would the D be able to keep up their end of the bargain? To say there was uncertainty would be an understatement (for the game, the D ended up surrendering 118 passing and 186 rushing yards—averaging 5.0 yards per carry).
Miechkowski and Giarrusso held the 1st down run play to 2 yards and Brown held the 2nd down rush to a short gain as well. Bridget “Big Play” Cambria and Edwards, on a pivotal 3rd and 4, brought down the runner two yards behind scrimmage and the game now hung on the Illusion’s 4th and 6 from the NE 21. Having no success running on this series, Erie would attempt a pass to move the chains and keep their season from ending with a double overtime loss. Donovan well-defended the attempt and the turnover on downs sealed the victory for the Blue.
The exhausting and exhilarating win completed the first ever perfect regular season for New England and pushed Head Coach Fernald’s record to 14-3. Reflecting on this improbable and amazingly gratifying regular season, it is all the more impressive when accounting for the adversity and distractions that seemed almost constant since early on in the pre-season. A heartfelt congratulations and thanks is due to every coach and player on the Intensity! Since Head Coach Fernald began his tenure with New England, the team has yet to lose a road game, an extraordinarily impressive accomplishment.
With this win, and with Montreal soundly defeating their final opponent of the 2010 regular season (to likewise go 8-0), the stage is set for NE to travel north of the border next weekend to open the playoffs. As an aside, this is the 3rd consecutive season the Intensity has qualified for the post-season and the 4th time in 5 years. It will certainly be a tough test for the Intensity, as Montreal not only shut out a Tier 1 team this season, but also won the Tier 2 Championship in 2008 and was the runner up in 2009 (due largely to several of their starters being unavailable for the game)—no doubt they’ll be looking to win back their title. Hopefully Samuelson and Close can heal up for the big contest as New England will look for their first playoff win ever.
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May 29, 2010
Intensity Puts the Beatdown on Southern Maine
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), amid weeks of mounting off-the-field tension with the winless Southern Maine Rebels, traveled to Portland over the Memorial Day weekend, from the opening whistle they set the tone that the Intensity is not to be messed with.
Outspoken players from the 0-6 Rebel squad stoked fires amongst the blue roster while the ownership/management of Southern Maine were not making any friends with their counterparts from NE, being blatantly obstinate with matters concerning former staff and players of the Rebels wishing to leave the disaster that is their organization and join the Intensity.
This would prove to be a great test for New England. For starters, defeating a team three times in one season is challenging enough, doing so twice in a row on the road is even tougher. Further, New England, despite their perfect record so far, has had to fight tooth and nail for each of their victories . . . were they indeed a “soft” 6-0 as Southern Maine seemed to believe?
The answer to that question was a resounding NO! The short opening kick of Southern Maine on a windy Saturday night was returned 8 yards by FB/LB Kate Meichkowski. Head Coach Jason Fernald wasted no time getting down to business, unleashing Captain RB Steph Samuelson on three straight runs of 6, 7 and 5 yards moving the ball well into Rebel territory. A false start (the first of 12 penalties the flag-happy Maine officials would call on NE) pushed the visitors back 5 yards before QB Rebecca Lopez linked up with DB/WR Lisa Vincent for a 6 yard completion. Samuelson rattled off another 5 yards, moving the chains yet again (she would finish the day with 209 yards, 7 first downs and 3 rushing TDs). An incomplete pass by Lopez, overthrowing Rookie TE Brenna Leveille, was aided by a pass interference on the home team, giving the Intensity 1st and 10 from the Rebel 17. Samuelson picked up 6 more yards before Lopez completed at TD pass (she’d tie a franchise mark of TD passes in a single game with 3 when all was said and done) to Leveille not even 5 minutes into the 1st quarter. K Kerri Richardson hit her first of 8 PATs, setting a single game record for the Intensity.
First blood was drawn by NE, if Southern Maine only knew how much more they would spill before this game ended.
Richardson’s kickoff was extremely well covered by Vincent and Special Teamer Lisa Paulson, stuffing the returner after just a two yard run back. Rookie LB Erica Adams defended the first two pass attempts by the home team, bringing up 3rd and 10. DL Bri Giarrusso and Vincent stopped the Rebel RB after just 4 yards on 3rd down, forcing Southern Maine to punt. The punt rolled out of bounds after just 13 yards, at the Maine 44.
Fernald trotted out his version of the wildcat (the “Cougar”), with WR/DB Tricia Donovan lining up as QB, Lopez, Leveille, and Vincent at WR and Samuelson as RB. Samuelson took the handoff and rattled 8 yards on first down. Donovan misfired on 2nd down, intending to get the ball to Lopez. Donovan kept the ball on 3rd down, gaining 16 yards with her quick feet. Confident that the home team could not defend this formation, Fernald decided to save it and return to a more conventional look. The results did not change, with Samuelson grabbing 7 more yards. Lopez was hit as she threw on 2nd and 3 from the Maine 13, causing the pass to fall incomplete. Miechkowski paved the way nicely on the toss right, destroying the first wrong-colored shirt, springing Samuelson for 6 yards and another first down. Lopez struck through the air again, this time hitting Samuelson for the second Intensity TD of the day. Richardson’s PAT was good again and the visitors were up 14-0 with over 5 minutes still remaining in the opening frame.
Southern Maine found some traction and had a respectable return—15 yards—on Richardson’s kickoff, before DE Lisa Close and Vincent finally dragged down the returner. The Rebels hefty RB lumbered for 6 yards on first down, but Rookie DL Lizwe Nondabula (3 tackle assists) stopped her for a 2 yard tackle for loss on 2nd down. Vincent (2 solo tackles and a single-game record-tying 13 tackles) sniffed out the toss left and brought the runner down after just two yards. NE was then whistled for an illegal substitution, improving the Rebel plight from 4th and 9 to 4th and 4. After a timeout, Southern Maine elected to go for it . . . a bad move as Captain OT/DT Maia Goodall fought off her block and blew up the play after just one yard, causing Maine to turn the ball over on downs.
The blue took over 1st and 10 from their own 49 and went right to their bread and butter, #23. She tallied almost two handfuls worth of yards on the first down run, then caught a long TD pass from Lopez on 2nd down, pushing the score to 20-0, still in the first 15 minutes of play, mind you. Richardson hit her 3rd PAT of the game and the rout was officially on.
Richardson’s squib kick was returned only 3 yards before Vincent and DB Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca (1 solo, 3 tackle assists) ended the play. Captain OL/DL Kim Herrig and Adams kept the 1st down run to only 3 yards. The toss left on 2nd down was diagnosed by DE Bridget Cambria and stopped for zero yards. Cambria, who makes a habit of filling up the stat sheet, teamed up with Close for a sack on 3rd down, resulting in 4th and long as the 1st quarter came to an end. The home team, learning from a previous mistake, wisely elected to punt. NE was flagged for an offsides, but Maine did not take the bait, they still punted. The short punt was returned 14 yards by Donovan (58 total return yards on the day), setting up the blue O with great field position again.
A 7 yard run by Samuelson was for naught as the officials did what they do best, whistling the visitors for a holding call. No matter. Lopez (8 for 14, 153 yards, 3 TDs, 2 1st downs) zipped a pass to Samuelson who scampered for 44 yards. Samuelson logged 8 more yards on the ground, moving the ball inside the Southern Maine 10. Lopez lost a yard on the keeper on 2nd down before Steph came up a yard short on 3rd down. Lopez picked up the necessary yard for the 4th TD of game, this one with 11:51 remaining in the 2nd. After the good PAT, the score was 28-0 and you could clearly see the shock and disbelief on the faces of the entire Rebel organization—NE, to this point, had hung more points on them in less than 19 minutes than they had in either for the first two full games they played earlier this season.
Vincent was all over the kickoff again, making the solo special teams tackle and holding the returner to just 6 yards. The big RB for Maine did plod ahead for 14 yards on first down before Leveille and Vincent tackled her. Defensive Coaches Mike Nelson and Jim Callahan, with the help of Coach Johnny Johnson up in the booth, made some adjustments and politeness was restored. Goodall and Close (3 tackle assists, 0.5 sack) stopped the RB for a one yard loss on 1st down. Leveille (2 solo, 3 tackle assists) got off her block on the toss left and notched another tackle for loss on 2nd down. Close, in great position and very alert, scopped up the backwards lateral fumble and ran it in from 35 yards out for the 5th TD of the game for NE with over 9 minutes still remaining in the 2nd.
An average Richardson kick was poorly defended, with the returner gashing the coverage team for 16 yards before Rookie Jen Stone and DeLuca made the tackle. In a disturbing trend, the home team had another big gain on 1st down, with the large running back heaving forward for 11 yards. DE Nancy O’Loughlin (4 tackle assists) and LB Charlene Casey (4 tackle assists) held the line, showing the RB the turf at scrimmage. Bri Giarrusso (8 tackle assists) had a stand out series, as she was involved in several of the plays . . . she and Rookie DL/OL Eden Coelho (3 tackle assists) stopped the ensuing run play for a 2 yard loss. Herrig and Giarrusso tag teamed the ball carrier on the next play, holding the home team a very short gain ahead of Giarrusso and DeLuca doing the same on 4th down, resulting in another Southern Maine turn over on downs.
Fernald, fully aware of the blood in the water, took to the air again. Lopez connected with Donovan (2 catches, 71 receiving yards, 1 TD, 1 1st down) for a 28 yard gain, moving the ball to the Maine 43. Samuelson took it from there, literally . . . as she danced her way into the endzone for a 43 yard TD run and a 41-0 Intensity lead with just over 4 minutes left in the half. Richardson was true on her PAT (6 for 6 for the half) and expanded the New England lead to 42-0.
A decent Richardson kick was unfortunately offset by a 17 yard return (Vincent and Stone eventually made the tackle). A 7 yard gain on the ground on first down continued the trend of the D surrendering big first down plays. However, Vincent and Captain DL/OL Jennifer ‘Coco’ Edwards stopped the madness with a one yard tackle for loss on the next play. The home squad did pick up another first down with a 6 yard run before DB Jojo Gauthier brought her to the turf. The D did get their act together by keeping the next running play to only 2 yards (Leveille and Vincent were in on that stop), followed by an incomplete pass on 2nd down and a 3 yard tackle for loss by Vincent and DB Lizz Vogel, and then a turn over on downs via an incomplete pass.
As the half was winding down (inside the two minute warning at this point), Fernald brought in the long bomb arm of QB/TE Erica Statkus. The first down play was a 20 yard air strike to Leveille (which she literally caught with her knees). Back to back incomplete passes and a Samuelson run would burn the rest of the 2nd quarter game clock and NE went into halftime on cruise control, up 42-0.
Miechkowski covered the Intensity kickoff to start the 3rd quarter by drilling the returner after just 7 yards. A bad snap on 1st down has recovered by the always-alert DE Bridget Cambria, giving New England possession at the Rebel 21. With Lopez back under center, after an uncharacteristic negative gain by Samuelson, the O took to the air; unfortunately, the first two passes were off the mark and the 4th down one came up short and Maine regained possession.
Casey and Gauthier were in on the first down run stop, with Nondabula and Giarrusso stuffing the next play for a one yard loss and Giarrusso and Cambria teaming up for a 4 yard TFL on 3rd down. The Rebel punt was returned for 27 yards by the Intensity’s far and away all-time punt return leader Tricia Donovan, all the way down to the Maine 18.
Fernald elected to trot out the Cougar again and Donovan completed the shovel pass to Leveille, good for a 13 yard pickup and a 1st and Goal from the Maine 5. Donovan came up a yard short of paydirt on the run on the next play, setting up Samuelson for another score on the 2nd down run. The Richardson PAT was good and NE was now up 49-0 with 8:50 left in the 3rd. She was roughed up on the play and the penalty yards were assessed on the following kickoff.
Paulson and Miechkowksi tackled the Maine returner on their 21 yard line after a 10 yard run back. Miechkowski intercepted the 1st down pass, teeing up 1st and 10 from the Rebel 21 for the Blue O. Samuelson scampered 13 yards to inside the 10 before a phantom holding call on NE on a play when Leveille dropped a sure-fire touchdown pass. Vincent ran the reverse on the next play for 9 yards to bring up 2nd and goal from the 9. Lopez misfired to a wide open Donovan but completed to Casey, good for 5 yards, on 3rd down. A delay of game on the Intensity pushed the FG attempt of Richardson back 5 yards. This attempt was blocked and the clueless referees spotted the ball on the Intensity 40 (even though the kick was attempted at the 20 yard line).
O’Loughlin and Coelho made the tackle on first down after just a two yard gain and Miechkowski stuck the runner for a 4 yard loss on the 2nd and 8 play. Maine did strike for 39 yards in the air before Vogel and Gauthier brought the receiver down. Edwards made the solo tackle on 1st and 10 from NE 23 but another phantom call by the Rebel officials—a facemask—gave the home team 2nd and 1. They were able to heft their way to a two yard gain that was stopped by Coelho and Edwards. Leveille snuffed out the ensuing 1st down run for zippy gain, however she was whistled for a pass interference call on the next play in the endzone, giving Southern Maine 1st and Goal from the 1 yard line. They were able to heave over the goal line and get on the board, 49-6, with 3 seconds left in the 3rd. Their PAT was good.
Donovan returned the kickoff for 17 yards and NE would start this possession, eager to score again to spite the horrendously intrusive and biased officiating. They’d have to do it without the able arm of Lopez as the refs approached Coach Fernald and told him that if he did not stop throwing the ball then the officials would stop us. Samuelson picked up 8 yards on 1st down and 6 more on 2nd but, big surprise, they were called for a holding penalty that negated the 2nd down gain. She would pick up 4 yards on each of the next two carries, and 7 on the carry after that. They were then called for a false start ahead of a 3 yard run by Close. Steph was then called back into duty, ripping of runs of 8, 3 and 8 yards, moving the ball to the Rebel 15. Three plays later, she struck for a 10 yard TD run and, with the Richardson PAT, pushed the score to 56-7 with just over 8 minutes remaining in the game.
Paulson and Vincent again kept the returner to just 10 yards on the kickoff. More bad news for Southern Maine would follow as they were flagged for an offensive pass interference on 1st down. They got 22 of the 25 yards needed for a first down via the run (yet another big first down run for Maine) and picked up the last three and then some courtesy of a very questionable late hit penalty on Paulson. Edwards would force a fumble on the next play that Maine recovered two yards behind scrimmage. The Rebel QB hit an open receiver up the middle who, thankfully for New England, dropped the ball. With 3rd and 23 from the NE 46, Maine aired the ball out again, this one good for 19 yards before Gauthier and Coelho combined for the tackle. LB Stacey Martin and Vincent stood strong and kept the massive running back two yards short of a first down.
Fernald’s handcuffed offense took the field at their own 25 in the cougar formation. Samuelson’s option run was held to no gain. She did get 8 yards on the next play and one yard on 3rd down, presenting New England with 4th and 1 from their 34. Fernald burned a timeout to mull this over and elected to have Gauthier punt. Her punt went lazily out of bounds just 14 yards from scrimmage.
Giarrusso and Close kept the Rebel running attack well under wraps with a 3 yards tackle for loss. Three incomplete passes in a row, one defended by Vogel, one by Gauthier, gave the ball back to the visitors with time rapidly winding down. Vincent picked up 16 yards on the reverse and Samuelson 7 more before time expired, the scoreboard reading 56-7 New England, the most points the Intensity has ever scored in a single game!
This 56-7 drubbing in front of their own sparse gathering of fans was a fitting way to respond to all the nonsense the Rebel organization had created in recent weeks. The score could have easily been substantially more lopsided had the corrupt officials not decided to make it their mission to unduly influence the game.
Despite playing 11 on 16, admirable was the ire and focus that the Intensity had, thanks largely to the slapping of the hornets nest by the Rebels. Perhaps paraphrasing an old Tupac Shakur record skit sums up things best . . . “And the question everybody wants answered: Why’d [Southern Maine] get the Intensity started?”. 441 total yards of offense fueling a single game record for points scored, with 21 coming in each of the first two quarters, made this game over very quickly, embodying Ben Franklin’s wisdom that “Well done is better than well said”.
New England, now 7-0 (setting another franchise record for most consecutive victories), will travel to Erie, Pennsylvania next weekend to take on the tough and well-led Illusion. Given the close race for playoff berths, they must come away with a win (and hope for a New Jersey loss to the Tier I Baltimore Nighthawks) to keep the season rolling.
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May 22, 2010
Intensity Beats Erie at Home, Sets Franchise Record
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), played their final home game of the regular season, finishing a perfect 4-0 at Medway High when the dust settled after defeating the Erie Illusion in front of a raucous and energized crowd.
As the playoff race for the division tightened, each of the remaining regular season games are must-wins for the Blue. Entering the weekend 5-0, the Intensity spent a busy two weeks preparing for their first-ever meeting with the largely-unknown Erie Illusion. The visitors would have to make the 9+ hour trek (in their case, via bus) eastward to put their 3-3 mark on the line against New England. Erie, having played Tier 1 Pittsburgh relatively close in their two meetings, and holding the 2009 Tier 2 Champion Wisconsin Warriors to just 19 points were certainly going to be a challenge for the home team. By all accounts, they appeared to be very well-disciplined, well-coached and possessing of a very potent running game—they posted 45+ points in their three wins.
Taking full advantage of the bye week that preceded this game, the coaching staff put forth a superhuman effort breaking down 5 games worth of Erie footage from 2010 to become as familiar as possible with their foe. The game plan they came up with was put in during the several practices since the last game.
In stark contrast to the previous game, a 20-8 victory on the road in Manchester, the Intensity would have all hands on deck for this battle. Likewise, there was excellent attendance and attitude on the part of the players during these two weeks--this helped make sure that NE would take the field in as prepared a state as possible.
So there were many positive signs leading up to the game; however, once the opening whistle is blown, nothing matters but the 60 minutes of action on the field.
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald noted that the keys to a New England victory would be: (1) The play of the Offensive Line, and (2) The ability of the Defense to shut down Erie’s running game between the tackles and limit their damage to the outside. He felt that getting the Illusion in 2nd and 3rd and long situations would cause them substantial problems as they have not demonstrated much in the way of a passing game.
Who would dominate scrimmage? Would Fernald’s Offense be able to put up some points on the stingy Illusion defense? Would Assistant Defensive Coordinators Jim Callahan and Mike Nelson be able to slow up the high-octane rushing attack of Erie? Would the Intensity rise to the occasion and keep their playoff hopes alive? We would know in a couple of hours.
The result of the coin toss had the home team kicking away to Erie on a perfect football night (high 60’s, sunny, slight south wind). Kicker Kerri Richardson knocked the opening kick to the Illusion 25, their returner got back 15 of those yards before being brought down by LB/DB Lisa Vincent and DE Bridget Cambria. The visitor’s opening offensive play was a 10 yard run good for a first down that DB Jojo Gauthier and LB/FB Kate Miechkowski combined on for the tackle. Captain DL/OL Jennifer ‘Coco’ Edwards (1 solo tackle and 3 tackle assists) met and destroyed the Erie ball carrier at the line of scrimmage on the next play, a run, bringing up 2nd and 5 from midfield. A bad snap on the next play sent the Erie QB to the turf covering up the loose ball and gave Cambria and DE Lisa Close a sack back at the E 37. The Illusion would pick up 7 yards on the 3rd and long run before LB Charlene Casey brought down the RB. Facing 4th and long, the visitors punted away, with RB Steph Samuelson bizarrely fielding the rolling ball back at the NE 15 and getting only 5 yards on the return.
Coach Fernald took to the air right off the bat, with QB Rebecca Lopez connecting with WR/DB Tricia Donovan for an 18 yard pickup on the slant. The reins were then handed over to Samuelson who would run the ball on the next 5 plays, picking up 23 yards and a first down before Miechkowski notched 6 yards on the 3rd and 1 carry. Lopez’ first down pass went through Vincent’s hands (the first of 5 such dropped passes on the day for the Blue). Samuelson (23 carries, 154 yards, 5 first downs and 2 TDs) came up a yard short on 2nd down, then Rookie TE/WR Brenna Leveille dropped a Lopez pass. Not to fear as Samuelson lowered her shoulder for the first down on 4th and 1. She then picked up 9 and 3 yards on back-to-back carries moving the ball to the E 13. Lopez connected with Donovan (2 catches, 30 yards, 2 first downs, 1 punt return for 28 yards, 1 solo tackle, 1 tackle assist and 1 pass defended) on a 12 yard strike giving the home squad 1st and Goal from the 1. Samuelson’s TD run on the next play was called back because of a false start on the NE offense, backing the ball up to the 6. Steph pounded the ball in on two carries, earning her 11th TD of the season and putting the Intensity up 6-0, capping of a 17 play drive that lasted about 10 minutes. Richardson’s PAT was true and New England enjoyed a 7-0 lead as the first quarter was winding down.
Richardson launched a 37 yard kickoff that, unfortunately, was returned for 20 yards before rookie LB Erica Adams (1 solo tackle and 3 tackle assists). The first down run to the right gashed NE for 14 yards before Gauthier (3 solo tackles, 6 tackle assists) took the runner down. She and Edwards eventually stopped the Erie ball carrier but not until she hit up the home team for another big gain on first down, this one 12 yards as the 1st quarter ended. Vincent and DL Bri Giarrusso (1 solo, 3 tackle assists) wrapped up the RB after a 7 yard gain. Casey (3 solo and 3 tackle assists) and Cambria stood up the Illusion RB at scrimmage, brining up 3rd and 3 from the N 24. Miechkowksi, the eventual Defensive Game Day MVP (1 solo tackle, 5 tackle assists, 1 pass defended, 1 interception) blew up the toss to the right after only 2 yards, forcing the visitors into a 4th and 1. Erie would go for it and convert the 4th down run, good for 2 yards before Edwards and Leveille linked up for the tackle at the N 20. Another big pick up on 1st down for the Illusion, 7 yards this time with Casey and Rookie Lizwe Nondabula (3 tackle assists) making the stop. Gauthier saved a touchdown by making the tackle at the Intensity 6, where Erie was now 1st and Goal. Assistant Defensive Coordinators Mike Nelson and Jim Callahan had their D backed into a corner. However that served as a motivating tool as Miechkowski and DE Lisa Close tackled the runner for a 5 yard loss to give NE a little breathing room. After 9 straight runs on this drive, Erie switched gears and attempted 3 straight passes . . . each of them incomplete, ultimately turning over the ball on downs.
Lopez would throw on 1st and 10 from the Intensity 12, with yet another pass dropped (this one by Donovan). Samuelson picked up 5 yards on 2nd down and caught a 4 yard pass from Lopez on 3rd down. Staring at 4th and 1 from their own 21, the Blue Offense did not blink, Samuelson behind some solid blocking by the O Line (C Bettyann Perry, Guards Kim Herrig and Edwards, and Tackles Torrance Brown and Maia Goodall), tallied another 3 yards and moved the chains. Lopez, under pressure, threw the ball away on 1st down before Samuelson rattled off 4, 14 and 1 yard rushes. Lopez (7 for 19, 118 yards, 3 first downs, 1 TD) completed an 11 yard pass to Casey, good for another first down. Donovan had another drop, ahead of a 23 yard Samuelson run that was negated by an Intensity block in the back. Lopez was off the mark on 2nd and 20 before Vincent picked up 8 yards on the reverse. With 12 yards to go for a first down, Fernald sent out the punt team. Gauthier’s 24 yard punt was downed at the E 25.
Picking up where they left off on the previous drive, the Intensity D stood strong with Gauthier dropping the RB after just 2 yards on first down. The toss left was sniffed out and pummeled by Vincent (4 solo tackles, 7 tackle assists, 1 pass defended, 1 sack) and Giarrusso, the visitors taking a 3 yard loss on the play. Gauthier and Adams did more of the same on 3rd down, this time with a 4 yard tackle for loss. Erie would down their punt at their 45 yard line, a 25 yard punt.
Lopez’ pass on first down was incomplete and her 2nd down 55 yard TD pass to Samuelson was called back for a block in the back—the second time a Samuelson TD was called back due to penalty. Lopez connected with Leveille on 2nd and 20 for 19 yards as the 1st half was approaching it’s close. Lopez spiked the ball on 3rd and 1 (not sure why, as New England still had timeouts available). QB/TE Erica Statkus was brought in to take a heave down field on 4th and 1, unfortunately not hitting her target and turning the ball over on downs.
Apparently content to head into the locker room down 7, the Illusion attempted back to back runs (stopped for short gains by Close on first down and she and Nondabula on 2nd down) as the 1st half ended.
The 2nd half began with Samuelson returning the visitor’s kick for 25 yards. In a rare snafu by Lopez/Samuelson, the toss between the two was fumbled with Erie recovering the ball on the N 35. Giarrusso stuffed the runner on first down for just a 3 yard gain. She was shaken up on the play but, fortunately, was ok. The Illusion pass attempt fell incomplete (they would convert for only 49 yards on 7 for 24 passing attempts). Vincent and Edwards stopped the 3rd and 7 rush attempt 2 yards short of the first down. The big fullback for Erie was lit up for no gain via an aggressive blitz by Vincent and Miechkowski, turning over the ball on downs again.
A short gain by Samuelson on 1st down was followed by a 10 yard strike from Lopez to Leveille, good for another first down. Two more short Samuelson runs sandwiched an incomplete pass by Lopez, bringing up another Gauthier punt (a 35 yarder here that was also downed—she’d end the day with 3 punts averaging 30 yards apiece).
After a few series of solving the big first down run problems of earlier in the game, the D had a relapse, surrendering 9 before Casey dragged the runner down. A 4 yard run that Giarrusso (1 solo tackle, 3 tackle assists) and Vincent stopped was good to give the Illusion a fresh set of downs. DL/LB Lisa Paulson, seeing her first action of the season teamed up with Adams to stop this first down run after only 3 yards. Two pass attempts that fell short and long, respectively, brought out the Erie punt team. The 28 yard punt was returned exactly 28 yards by the Intensity’s all-time punt return leader, Tricia Donovan, who is averaging over 25 yards per punt return, giving the Blue very good field position a the E 40.
Lopez had another pass dropped, this time Gauthier had the dubious distinction. Lopez 2nd down pass intended for Donovan was misfired and intercepted, forcing Donovan to switch to DB on the fly as she tackled the interceptor before any additional damage could be done. The silver lining in this cloud was that the ball was all the way back to Erie’s 15 yard line, giving Coaches Nelson and Callahan plenty of real estate to work and gamble with on defense.
And work with it they did as Miechkowski, in perfect position, came up with the pickle and returned it all the way to the visitor’s 1 yard line! Fernald called her number on the dive on the next play and Kate delivered, putting the home team up 13-0. Donovan faked the PAT, picking up the snap, rolling right and connecting with Leveille for the 2 point conversion and a 15-0 lead for New England about half way through the 3rd quarter.
The home team would roll with the momentum the Miechkokski’s interception and subsequent score created. Richardson’s kickoff was well covered as, you guessed it, Miechkowski and Vincent were there to make the special teams tackle after only a 6 yard return. Erie would do their level best to put together a long scoring drive and get back in the game. Their 13 yard run on first down continued that disturbing trend (they would end the day with 201 rushing yards on 39 carries—a 5.2 yard per carry average). Cambria stopped the next run after 6 yards—still a sizable gain for the Illusion. On 2nd and 4, DB/LB Lizz Vogel slung the ball carrier to the ground a yard short of the first down. Captain OL/DL Maia Goodall and Casey kept the next play to a scant 2 yard gain, but it was enough for the visitors to move the sticks again (one of 10 rushing first downs for Erie). DB Stacey “Hulk” DeLuca had her first of 3 solo tackles on the next play, keeping the first down run by the Illusion to a more manageable 5 yards. This effort was marginalized because Erie ripped off a 37 yard scamper up the right sideline that Captain OL/LB Kim Herrig eventually chased down. She was hurt on the tackle, slamming her head down on the turf, but left the field under her own power and would return to the game later. The ball now placed at the N 26, the visitors danced to the tune of an 8 yard first down run before Miechkowski and Gauthier brought her down. In at DE, Nancy O’Loughlin made a 2 yard tackle for loss on 2nd down. On 3rd and 4, Erie bobbled the snap and covered up a yard behind scrimmage. After 9 consecutive runs, the visitors changed it up with a pass play on which O’Loughlin made another solo tackle as the 3rd quarter ended, but the Illusion receiver eked out just enough yardage for the first down. At the start of the 4th, the Illusion QB ran left and picked up 6 yards on first down and move inside the NE 10. Vincent came hard on the blitz on 2nd and 4 and dropped the QB 9 yards behind scrimmage, allowing the D to breath a slight sigh of relief. Erie took to the air again, connecting for an 8 yard pass that Donovan stopped and Gauthier finished off, knocking the ball loose on impact. Erie was alert enough to fall on the ball and retain possession,
bringing up 4th and 7 from the 10. Trying their luck with the pass again, Erie busted and turned the ball over on downs and giving NE the ball at their own 10.
To the visitor’s credit, they seemingly solved the problems they were having with Samuelson, holding her to 3 total yards on 3 straight carries, forcing Gauthier to punt again. Her punt was downed by DeLuca at the Intensity 44.
Hoping to capitalize on excellent field position, the visitor’s offense took the field again. Vincent put a dent in the Illusion’s first down average rushing performance by chasing the ball carrier down for a 2 yard loss. They completed a 7 yard pass on 2nd and 12 that DeLuca stopped, and an 8 yard pass good for a first down on 3rd. Their first down play that followed was a pass that the receiver probably wished never happened as she ran into DT/OT Torrance Brown who did her best imitation of The Big Show, damn-near choke slamming the visiting player after only 3 yards. Three consecutive incomplete passes (one defended by Donovan, one by Miechkowski) brought about another turnover on downs for the Illusion.
Eager to atone for a very pedestrian showing during their previous possession, the Intensity O handed off to Samuelson on first down. She picked up 7 yards, moving the ball to the N 35. On 2nd and 3, Samuelson would find paydirt with some great blocking up front and a nice downfield block by Donovan who caught up to the play and dispensed with the last defender that had any prayer of getting to Samuelson. The 65 yard TD run was the longest of Samuelson’s storied career and the longest in Intensity history! Up 21-0, New England brought out Richardson for the PAT which she was true on.
The next few minutes could have been called the Lisa Vincent Show. She picked up another solo special teams tackle on Richardson’s kickoff after a 14 yard return. She would notch another solo tackle on the first down run, keeping the RB for the visitors to a measly one yard. Vincent then defended the pass attempt on 2nd down. Casey got in on the action on 3rd and 9 with a tackle of the runner after 4 yards. The Illusion, down 3 scores well into the 4th quarter, was clearly in 4-down territory. They failed to convert and gave the ball back to NE on the E 44.
Wasting no time, Fernald looked for the kill and had Lopez swing for the fence on first down. She hit a homerun—a TD pass to Leveille (the Offensive Game Day MVP with her 4 catches--one for a first down, one for a TD and one a 2 pt conversion). Richardson’s PAT was blocked but the damage was done, the home team held an all but insurmountable 28-0 lead well into the final frame (the scoreboard had to be turned off because the visiting coach was salty that there was a discrepancy between the referee’s official time and the time displayed on the scoreboard).
Richardson boomed a 36 yard kickoff and DeLuca made the tackle on the return. Paulson made the tackle on first down after a 7 yard pickup. Rookie DB Jen Stone made her first career tackle on the next play, however, Erie did pick up 21 yards on the play, moving the ball to the N29. DT Lesley Lopes and Nondabula brought down the ball carrier after a 6 yard gain on 1st down. In what seemed like an interminably long quarter, Erie continued their possession, taking to the air the rest of the way. Their 2nd down pass was incomplete, due largely to pressure brought by O’Loughlin and Gauthier. The Illusion’s 3rd down pass was defended by DeLuca, bringing up 4th and 4. In a very questionable call, DeLuca was flagged for pass interference, giving the visitors 1st and 10 from the Intensity 14. Erie took full advantage of what really seemed like extra time (and the gift of a PI call) and stole the shutout away from the Blue via a 14 yard TD pass. Their 2 pt conversion pass attempt was also good, making the score 28-8. Adding insult to injury, the officials announced that time had expired and the game was over . . .
A somewhat bitter ending, but a 28-8 victory—an absolutely necessary victory--nonetheless. The coaching staff for New England clearly did their homework and the players did their part to soak up and implement the game plan the staff came up with. The game was a one score contest until well into the 3rd quarter, however. So Coach Fernald and his staff will have plenty of ammunition to keep the squad properly grounded for the rematch in Erie in two weeks.
The win, a franchise record 6th straight to start a season, gave NE a perfect home record during the regular season this year (4-0) and pushed their all-time record at Hanlon Field to 17 wins, 5 losses. Here’s to hoping the team takes care of business the rest of the way this regular season and somehow ends up back in Medway for a playoff game or two!
Fernald’s Offense (and Lopez’ ankle) both performed well, with a better balance of yardage between the run (58%) and pass (42%). Nelson and Callahan’s Defense, well-employed the “bend don’t break” philosophy, coming up with key plays when necessary, defending the pass very well and limiting the damage of the Erie’s run game between the tackle—a majority of their rushing yards came up the sidelines (an area that the Coaches will surely be working on at practice this week upcoming).
The franchise immediately shifted focus to the upcoming task at hand: Traveling to Southern Maine over Memorial Day Weekend to play and defeat the Rebels. With this team in Maine on a fast track to replace the Manchester Freedom as the Intensity’s most bitter rival, there should be ample reason for the NE players to come out with as much focused energy as possible. Add to that the fact that despite now being 6-0, the Intensity finds itself a fraction of point ahead of the 3rd place Jersey Justice who has one loss (a drubbing at the hands of the New York Sharks earlier in the season). So not only will New England be trying to win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, they will be trying to win big next weekend! It sure will be interesting!
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May 8, 2010
Intensity Defeats Manchester for 5th Straight Time, Now 5-0 in 2010
MEDWAY, MA – The New England Intensity, of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), traveled to Manchester Saturday afternoon for a 4pm showdown with their bitter rival.
Coming off of an inspiring 19-18 come from behind win the previous week, New England looked to build on this momentum by taking care of business versus the Manchester and thereby heading into their final bye week of the regular season (weekend of May 15/16) undefeated and able to cram in as much preparation for the mysterious Erie Illusion squad whom they are scheduled to host on 5/22.
This would be no easy task. Despite the Freedom’s 1-3 record (their only win coming via forfeit the previous week), their losses were all on the road and versus Montreal (last season’s Tier II runner-up), Jersey (who Montreal beat by one point to play for the Tier II Championship last year) and New England. Furthermore, the Intensity has historically struggled in New Hampshire: After defeating the Freedom in Manchester in the first meeting between the teams in 2003, the Intensity has only won at West Memorial field once (in 2009), being outscored 144-32 in the four losses played there.
As has seemingly been the case all season, there were no shortages of obstacles for the Blue to overcome internally. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Fernald’s father, long-suffering in a battle with cancer died barely 48 hours after the win against Connecticut. Funeral services were held the day prior to this Manchester game and Coach Fernald, to his credit, did not miss a practice or the game saying “My Dad would want me to be with the team”. Running Back Steph Samuelson’s Father, who has also been of poor health recently, had to be rushed into the emergency room early in the week. Our thoughts and prayers are with both Jason and Steph and their families during these difficult times.
Additionally, the Intensity would be without the services of starting QB Rebecca Lopez, who successfully defended her doctoral thesis on Tuesday and would graduate from the University of Connecticut on Saturday. Kicker Kerri Richardson (work), DB/TE Meghan Grant (school), and OL/DL Eden Coelho (work) would also not make the trip. Sadly, promising Line prospect Alana Papa, was informed her season was over (knee injury) before Tuesday’s practice as well.
To cause even more concern and frustration, the confluence of work, illness and school commitments put a sizable dent in the attendance levels at the two practices leading up to this game—never a good thing before a big contest.
Last but not least, adding to the buzz of distraction surrounding this game was the late report (Saturday morning) that Manchester’s all-world RB/LB Katia Pashkevitch, who had missed almost all of 2009 and all of 2010 (so far) was suiting up and planning on playing. As was the versatile veteran QB/TE Lauri Izzi, who had been likewise been previously sidelined with injury. Clearly Manchester was pulling out all the stops to try and spoil New England’s post-season aspirations.
In short, the Intensity would need quite an effort out of everyone that would be suiting up for this showdown. Coach Fernald and his staff would hope that their solid game plan and the veteran leadership of the team would pull through in what was resembling, more and more, the perfect storm of a trap game. How focused was the Intensity? How effective would the reserve players who would definitely see a lot of playing time be? How effective would Pashkevitch and Izzi be for Manchester? Would the Intensity rally and rise to the occasion, preserving their perfect record? We’d soon find out.
A very rainy day with temperatures in the low 60’s was gradually giving way to drier conditions, though intermittent showers (a couple of them pretty heavy) were forecast for the remainder of the afternoon. At a minimum, the field (and football) would be a little slick.
Returning from injury that had kept her sidelined all season to this point was rookie DB/WR Jen Stone who was eager to take the game field for the first time. She’d see action on the kickoff team today. Rookie TE Brenna Leveille would have to fill Richardson’s shoes with kickoffs and she would not have much time to get her mind wrapped around this as Manchester would receive the ball to start the game. Her opening kick went an impressive 39 yards (she’d finish the day with a noteworthy 37.5 yard average on 4 kicks) and DB/LB Lisa Vincent and DB/WR Alie Powers were in quick on the coverage, holding the returner to just 9 yard.
In their trademark fashion, Manchester came out running the ball, ripping of 6 yards on first down before Rookie LB Erica Adams (2 solo tackles and 5 tackle assists) and DL Bri Giarrusso (6 tackle assists and 1 sack) brought the ball carrier down. An encroachment penalty on the visitors gave the home squad a first down via penalty on the following play. Giarrusso and Adams were also in on the next run, this time surrendering only 3 yards. On 2nd and 7, Adams teamed up with LB Stacey Martin (4 tackle assists and a pass defended) to hand Manchester a 3 yard loss on a rush attempt. Adams, very active on this opening drive for the opposition, ran down the RB on an option right, but only after an 8 yard gain, which gave the Freedom 4th and 2 from their 49. After taking a timeout to deliberate, Manchester Head Coach CJ Perez elected to go for it. Captain OL/LB Kim Herrig (3 tackle assists and one fumble recovery) and DT/OT Torrance Brown (two tackle assists) slammed the door shut a yard short of a first down, however a holding call on the offense pushed Manchester back 10 yards and brought out their punt team. Perhaps it was the wet ball, perhaps the fear of the withering Intensity rush, but regardless of the cause, the snap to the punter was very low and the punter became the unplanned ball carrier that had the pleasure of making Defensive Game Day MVP LB Charlene Casey’s acquaintance 18 yards behind scrimmage (the Manchester 21 yard line).
This outstanding field position had Fernald relieved that QB Erica Statkus, who had not thrown a pass all season (but, as a little historical nugget, during the franchise’s inaugural season, she was the first Intensity player to score versus Manchester—a QB sneak back in 2003 when the Intensity was the Rhode Island Riptide), would not be lining up inside her own 10 yard line. He was also salivating, as the Intensity has done well taking advantage of their opponent’s miscues thus far this season (Southern Maine’s difficulties snapping the ball led to Intensity points, as did the Connecticut Crushers in the last week’s game).
As per tradition, Samuelson (the Offensive MVP for the game, finishing the day with 28 carries for 134 yards, 8 first downs and 2 more touchdowns) gouged the Freedom for 11 on first down. A horse collar penalty on the Manchester tackler gave the visitors 1st and Goal from the 5 (15 yard penalty that was reduced to half the distance to the goal). Fernald dialed up #23 again and she was stopped just short of 6 points, bringing up 2nd and Goal from the 1. She would not be kept out this time, as the O Line’s surge was solid (courtesy of C Bettyann Perry—fighting bronchitis no less, Guards Herrig and Captain Jennifer “Coco” Edwards and Tackles Brown and Captain Maia Goodall) and Steph crossed the goal line standing up to put New England ahead 6-0 with less than 6 minutes elapsed in the 1st quarter. Electing to go for two with Richardson unavailable, Fernald called on Samuelson who again delivered behind some solid blocking and pushed the score to 8-0.
Leveille’s next kickoff went 33 yards but was returned 18 before DB/P Jojo Gauthier (3 solo tackles and 2 tackle assists) and DE Lisa Close (2 tackle assists and several hurries) dragged the returner down. On 1st and 10 from their 45, Manchester ran a QB bootleg right that was good
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Previously-Posted Videos
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Previously-Posted News Articles.
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Intensity Home Games to be Broadcast on Internet Radio this Season!
The Massachusetts Sports and Entertainment Network provides Internet Radio featuring Sports Talk and Music and Entertainment shows as well as Sports and Entertainment News Updates and Articles. MA Sports Web is also an official partner of the New England Intensity and will be broadcasting some of the New England Intensity home games. Stay tuned for more details as the season approaches!
Click Here to Visit the website, www.masportsweb.com!
The Cambridge Athletic Club (CAC) is the official training facility of the Intensity!
Click Here to Visit The Cambridge Athletic Club Website!
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