The Manchester Freedom faced off against border rivals, The Southern Maine Rebels in IWFL action Saturday night in Portland.

The defending Northern Division Champion Freedom, put on an impressive performance, dominating on both sides of the ball.  The Freedom game plan featured a balanced running attack, scoring 11 times, and compiling 541 total yards. The Freedom's opening drive produced a five yard touchdown run by Katia Pashkevitch.  The extra point was blocked, which was a recurring theme throughout the game as Manchester converted on only 2 of 11 extra point attempts.

The Freedom's second drive featured the return of Laurie Petchar. After a year off last year, Petchar is back in the Freedom line-up and ran for 30 yards on the drive, ending with a 5 yard touchdown run. For the game, Petchar had 108 yards on 9 carries, and 3 touchdowns.

The Freedom defense continued to shut down Maine's offense, enabling the high powered Manchester offense to remain on the field. As a steady drizzle fell throughout the second quarter, the Freedom coaching staff ran a ball control offense on the back, and legs of veteran running back Katia Pashkevitch.  Pashkevitch ran 15 yards for her second touchdown, as the first quarter ended with Manchester on top 20-0.

Paschkevich added touchdown runs of 15 and 17 yards in the second quarter and finished the game with 187 yards on 10 carries and 4 touchdowns.  The Manchester defense was also paced by Pashkevitz, who had 9 solo tackles while Mel Bailey, had 8 and assisted on 2 others.

The defense scored the only touchdown of the game for Maine, in the second quarter. On a play that was ruled a fumble, quarterback Lauri Izzi bobbled the snap into the waiting arms of a Maine defender, that was returned 55 yards for a score.  Maine added the 2-point conversion, and the first half ended with Manchester on top 38-8. 

Although temps were in the low 40's, Manchester did not cool down during the break. Joy Burge returned the second half kick off 60 yards for a touchdown.  The Freedom offensive line of Stacy Bellemore, Amy Salmons, Theresa Murray, Jen Parkinson, and Andrea Rooney continued to open running lanes for the Freedom running backs.

The second half featured another legitimate Freedom running threat, Joy Burge. Burge ran for 164 yards in the second half. She finished the game with 170 yards on 6 carries, and 3 touchdowns.

With the return of Laurie Petchar, the emergence of Burge, and the veteran tandem of Christine Halloran, and Pashkevitch, the Freedom coaching staff can run a much more diverse offense than they have been able to run in past years. There was a common theory throughout the league that if you could shut down Pashkevitch, the Freedom's biggest offensive threat, you could shut down the Freedom. Well, that certainly is not the case this season.  The coaching staff has the option of playing any of 4 quality backs in the backfield. Although conditions were not conducive to a throwing game last night, look for this to create passing opportunities in upcoming games.

The Freedom defense continued to get the ball back for the offense. Defensive backs Holly Laroche, and Kristina Sharp each had 4 solo tackles, while Jen Pirog had 3. Jamie Naylor had an interception. Darren Hood Tucker, and Jen Cardinal, anchored the defensive line all night.  The third quarter ended Manchester ahead 52-8.

Christine Halloran barreled over the right side for a 1 yard touchdown run to open the fourth quarter, after quarterback Laurie Izzi ran to the 1 on a third down conversion. Petchar and Burge each added fourth quarter rushing touchdowns and the game ended Manchester 70, Southern Maine 8.

Although the score may suggest it, The Freedom coaching staff did not "run up" the score. Manchester kept the ball on the ground the entire second half. As one spectator put it, "It's their job to stop us. What are we supposed to do, take a knee?"

Even with the lopsided score, the Rebels continue to demonstrate the good sportsmanship that impressed this writer so much last year. They play hard and clean until the final whistle.  The Freedom coaching staff reminded the team that this is the effort needed every week, as the schedule only gets harder with 2 games scheduled against Tier 1 teams coming up soon.

Come out in your colors, and support the Green & Gold this coming Saturday 5/10/08, as the Freedom celebrate their home opener against The Holyoke Hurricanes. Kick off is at 4:00 PM. See you all there, and thanks for the support!

Written by Rich Parkinson, Statitician