Queens, New York, April 17, 2004
For the first time in over a year, the Sharks had a home game where it didn’t rain. New York fans had to endure the wet stuff for the past 5 regular season games but today’s game was played under very comfortable weather. The skies were clear and the temperature was in the low 60’s, a fine day to sit outside and watch hard-hitting football.
On paper it looked like a complete mis-match. The Sharks (2-0) have won more games during a single season than the New Hampshire Freedom (0-1) have won in their 3 years of existance. Even on the playing field it was a mis-match as the Freedom did not get a first down until there were 5 minutes left in the game. But the game itself was not a mis-match as the Sharks had to pull out some last minute heroics to put this game away.
Like the previous Sharks game, it didn’t take long for the scoreboard to light up, but this time it was for New York. New Hampshire had lost the toss and the Sharks elected to receive. New York had a hard time picking up the ball during the kickoff and were caught at their own 6-yard line. Deep in their own territory, quarterback Val Halesworth threw a quick sideline pass to receiver Kathy Holloman. The former track star then raced down the left side of the field for a 94-yard touchdown reception. Kicker Jenny Graf than kicked the extra point and the Sharks were ahead 7-0 after only 36 seconds of play.
It looked like the rout was on.
The New Hampshire Freedom are sporting a new weapon this year. They have obtained 1,000 yard rusher Katia Pashkevitch from the Bay State Warriors and were looking to unleash her power running game on the Sharks. But New York’s defense was more than up to the challenge and was able to hold the former Olympic hockey star to 10 yards rushing for the day.
The Sharks defense came up big when it had to against Atlanta last week, but against New Hampshire, New York had very few problems handling the offense from the Granite State. With Chrissy Hilla and Monica Marsh back on the team, the defense was back to their old ways as the Sharks got their 13th IWFL shutout in 3 seasons.
But despite the opening drive and the smothering defense, the game was extremely close. For the second game in a row, the Sharks offense continued to sputter as the offensive line played like an open door and allowed New Hampshire rushers to harass Halesworth all day. The Shark quarterback often had to run for her life and was sacked 4 times. Plus the New Yorkers fumbled the ball away 3 times and were intercepted once to kill rally after rally.
Shark nation was looking very concerned as the first half came to a close with the score 7-0 in favor of New York. The Freedom offense was firmly held in check but the Sharks offense was only not moving the ball, they were often coughing it up deep in their own territory. All New Hampshire had to do to was capitalize on one of New York’s many mistakes to tie this game up.
New York was holding on to their slim one touchdown lead halfway through the third quarter, when Missy Marmorale decided to take matters in to her own hands and feet. The Freedom were just inside Sharks’ territory when quarterback Stacey Blodgett threw a pass that was intercepted by Marmorale. Missy then put on her afterburners and ran down the left side of the field to return the interception 63-yards for a touchdown (the second longest in Sharks history). Graf kicked the extra point, and the Sharks now had comfortable 14-0 lead with 6:33 left in the third quarter.
It was the defense again that helped set up the next Sharks score. After New York had gotten the ball down to New Hampshire’s 14-yard line, they fumbled and the Freedom recovered. The Sharks defense pushed back the Freedom even further to their own 3-yard line where they were forced to punt. On the punt attempt, the Sharks’ blockers broke through and forced the punter to throw the ball, but it bounced harmlessly to the ground.
New York had a golden opportunity with the ball on New Hampshire’s 3-yard line and a first down. Halesworth did not waste it, by taking the ball in herself on a 3-yard scramble. The extra point attempt went awry on a bad snap, but the Sharks now had a 20-0 lead with 14:44 left to go in the game.
The Sharks final score again was the result of some help from the defense. After a quarterback sack by Rose Addison, she finished with 3 for the game, New Hampshire was forced to punt. Darleen “Blue” Hall broke through the line to block the punt and Courtney Eaton recovered the football on the Freedom’s 18-yard line. Halesworth tried to run it in herself but could only get it down to the 4-yard line. On the next play she rolled out to her right and found a wide open Karen Mulligan for the Sharks final score of the day. The extra point attempt again was foiled by a bad snap but the score was now 26-0 with 10:05 left in the game.
The Sharks defense seems to be in mid-season form with 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 blocked punts. The offense on the other hand is almost no where to be seen. Confusion and execution seemed to be going hand in hand as New York seemed to take a big step backwards from the game against Atlanta.
The Sharks play again next Saturday on April 24th as they will host the Montreal Blitz at August Martin High School. Game time is 3pm EDT. Cheer New York will be on hand to provide their gymnastic sideline entertainment throughout the game. If you cannot make it to the ballpark, follow all of the Sharks’ action on www.kedu.us our radio flagship station.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Freedom | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New York Sharks | 7 | 0 | 7 | 12 | 26 |
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
NY – (06:34) Holloman 94 yard pass from Halesworth (Graf kick)
Third Quarter
NY – (06:33) Marmorale 63 yard interception return (Graf kick)
Fourth Quarter
NY – (14:44) Halesworth 3 yard run (kick failed)
NY – (10:05) Mulligan 4 yard pass from Halesworth (pass failed)