The Manchester Freedom of the Independent Women's Football League faced off against the New England Intensity Saturday afternoon May 17th, at Manchester West Stadium. With a warm sun shining, and game time temps in the low 70's, conditions were perfect for this Northeast Division showdown. The Freedom, who are coming off back to back wins with an average margin of victory of 65 points, continued their offensive dominance against what Manchester Assistant Head Coach Mike DeFelice described as a "big game, and good measuring stick for the team".
In another example of why Manchester is a first class organization, joining the Manchester captains at mid field for the opening coin toss was honorary game captain Jen Parkinson. Parkinson decided to forego her SNHU graduation ceremony at the Verizon Wireless Arena, where she was scheduled to receive her Masters Degree Summa Cum Laude in Information Technology. Instead, Parkinson was at her regular spot as Manchester's starting right tackle.
After winning the opening coin toss, Manchester for the third straight week, scored on their first offensive possession of the game. Taking advantage of a big, and powerful offensive line, Manchester quarterback Lauri Izzi directed the offense on a 10 play 67 yard drive. Running back/outside linebacker, Katia Pashkevitch, who had 19 rushes for 287 yards, and 5 touchdowns, finished the drive with a 10 yard rush. Jamie Naylor added the extra point putting Manchester ahead 7-0.
The Manchester defense was tested by an effective New England running attack. The normally stingy Freedom "D", gave up some long Intensity gains, but were able to come up with big plays when it mattered, keeping the ball in the hands of the potent Freedom offense.
Manchester's second offensive drive again consisted of a ball control ground game. The first quarter ended with Manchester driving, and Pashkevitch converting on a 4th and goal rushing to the New England one yard line. 2 plays later Pashkevitch punched the ball in. Naylor added the extra point, and Manchester was on top to stay, 14-0. The normally disciplined Manchester offense had what can only be described as some uncharacteristic sets of downs. Manchester suffered three offensive penalties, bogging down the offense and forcing the Freedom to bring out the punting unit. Manchester Quarterback Lauri Izzi was intercepted on the next Manchester possession, and the first half ended with Manchester on top 14-0.
The second half opened with the Freedom offense hitting its groove. Katia Pashkevitch added her third rushing touchdown with a bruising 54 yard run. Manchester only needed 3 offensive plays to score their next touchdown. Again it was Pashkevitch, this time running over New England defenders for a 47 yard score. Naylor again kicked the extra point, and Manchester led 28-0.
The New England offense began to gain some traction moving the ball late in the third quarter. The Intensity completed a well executed 23 yard play action pass, which was to be their only touchdown of the day. New England followed that with a nifty misdirection 2 point conversion making the score Manchester 28 New England 8.
The ensuing New England kick off was fielded by Joy Burge at the Manchester 33 yard line. The same Joy Burge, defensive back who was burned on the previous New England touchdown pass. Burge proceeded to bounce off New England defenders en route to a 67 yard kick off return for a touchdown. The statement from Burge and the Freedom was clear, the Freedom defense does not like being scored on. Manchester missed the extra point, and the third quarter ended Manchester ahead 34-8.
The Manchester offense continued to go to Burge in the fourth quarter, looking for her to eat up yards and clock, while providing a needed rest for the veteran legs of Katia Pashkevitch. Burge complied, adding Manchester's 6th touchdown of the day on a 4 yard run. The Freedom went to Burge again, as she rushed over the right side for the 2 point conversion, increasing the Manchester lead to 42-8.
Another scary moment was repeated on the field this Saturday, as again an opposing player lay motionless on the field and is taken from the field by ambulance. While making a tackle for New England, Jo Jo Gauthier suffered a serious upper body injury. Early indications were of a possible broken collarbone, but as with any injury to that area, the neck is a concern. EMT'S immobilized Gauthiers upper body as a precaution, and transported her to the hospital. News came later that Gauthier was okay. The Freedom players, staff and fans wish a speedy recovery to Ms. Gauthier.
Following the delay, Katia Pashkevitch returned to the Manchester backfield, to add her fifth rushing touchdown of the day, and to round out the scoring at Manchester 49 New England 8. For the game, Manchester compiled 466 total yards.
The Manchester defense, under the watchful eye of Defensive Coordinator Joe Raycraft, also looked to Joy Burge, as she led Manchester with 6 solo tackles. Holly LaRoche had 2 big tackles for losses, and hit hard all day. Jen Pirog was all over the field on both sides of the ball, and had a big third quarter interception. Captain Darren Hood Tucker, anchored the "D" line all afternoon with 3 solo tackles. Jen Turschman played well, chipping in with 2 solo tackles and a fourth quarter fumble recovery. T(heresa) Murray had a big tackle for loss to squash a New England drive. Mel Bailey was a force on defense all afternoon, blocking a field goal attempt and constantly pressuring the Intensity backfield.
The Freedom enjoys a bye week next Saturday, and the extra preparation time will be needed as Manchester elevates a division class, and plays two Tier 1 teams. Manchester will be back in action May 31, traveling to Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Ma. to meet the Boston Militia. Kickoff is at 6 PM. The next Manchester home game is June 7 at 4 PM, when the Freedom hosts the visiting Baltimore Nighthawks, another Tier 1 team. Tickets are available at the gate for only $5.00.
-Written by Statistician Rich Parkinson
