Dallas Takes Their First Victory
by Laura Walton
From the opening kickoff to Houston, a booming touchback, it was clear the Diamonds were prepared for a fight of epic proportions. They understood what toll the battle would take on both teams, or at least what it had required for a victory in past meetings.
To the fans delight, the defense picked up where they left off in the championship in Chicago and held strong for the first Houston possession, shutting the Energy offense down immediately. Two plays later with 12:35 left to play in the 1st Quarter, it was 7-0 with a TD run by #3, the elusive Odessa Jenkins.
The tone continued as Houston's second series fizzled. Dallas's RB, #46 Jessica Springer serving double duty on defense, tackled #5, rookie Tonya Newton in the backfield for a 5 yard loss. Again Houston would be forced to punt. Springer then added insult to injury, with a quick 12 yard TD run at the 8:00 minute mark. Emily Tidwell's kick was up and good and suddenly it was 14-0 with a lot of time still left to play in the 1st quarter alone.
Defense continued to rule the night, inflicting pain at will on Energy QB Laura Cantu. Punt after punt and several turnover on downs served to rush her even further and frustrate Houston's coaches. The Diamond offensive machine pounded out another TD as Umeeka Webb, #81 hauled in a wide open pass in the left corner of the endzone. Dallas 21, Houston 0. Not even mercy from the skies and a 1 hour rain, thunder and lightning delay could fire up the old Energy spirit. It didn't seem to bother the Diamond fans, who took the opportunity to extend the purple umbrellas and continue to bring the noise.
When the rain had passed and play resumed the Diamonds hadn't lost a step, recovering a kickoff fumble on the Houston 29 yard line. Alberta Brydson, #24 inflicted the brutal hit and Odessa Jenkins made the recovery with a follow up TD added by Springer. The extra point conversion misfired but the Diamonds were still up 27-0.
The offensive play of the night came with 9:20 left in the half. Springer seemed to mishandle the punt and it was looking as if Houston might actually get a break and turn the momentum. It was merely an illusion as #46 regained her composure and proceeded to zig zag her way up the left side of the field thru the Energy force field, like a laser beam cutting 71 yards and into the endzone, disintegrating all hope of a Dallas miscue. Dallas was up 34 to 0.
Energy QB, Cantu was rudely introduced to Dallas's new defensive rookie Tiffany Bunton with a monstrous hit with just over 3 minutes left in the half. The energy gained the first down but Cantu couldn't seem to shake off the cobwebs and make anything happen in the next few snaps. On fourth and 22 a QB Keeper was visciously discouraged by several Dallas Dline including #90 Tiny Mitchell. Yet another Houston turnover on downs converted into 37 yard TD score by Odessa Jenkins. She would amass 139 yards on the night and 2 TD's. Dallas 41, Houston 0
Houston's only relief on the night came as the half came to and end on offensive penalty with Dallas sitting on the 5 yard line with a first and goal. Finally a stop for the Energy. No score and the score at half remained 41-0.
The 3rd Quarter picked up where the scoring had left off and with 12:31 left to play , Springer broke a 32 yard run to make it a 48 point lead. The crowd cheered as she earned them all coupons for Sonic Snacks with that play. Jessica Springer topped out her rushing night with 100 yards and 3 TD's. Dallas rotated in all their available players after it started to turn into a route and Umeka Webb caught her second touchdown of the night at 12:02 still in the 3rd Quarter. 55-0
Sensation Tiffany Bunton again stung Cantu this time for a sack and a fumble, giving the defensive rookie an amazing night in her opening debut. The Energy just couldn't make any major moves toward the Dallas end of the field all night and what was anticipated as the game of the season suddenly had become a sure victory. Diamond clock management chewed up the clock for nearly another five minutes, culminating in a QB keeper by #14 Monica Foster from the 8 yard line. The extra point kick was good and Diamonds extend to 62-0.
Gaining some valuable experience and quieting nervous tension's, Dallas's rookies gobbled up the remaining quarter and finished off the evening's scores. QB Britney Bushman sealed the victory at 7:45 remaining in the game with the final touchdown of the night. As if by sheer luck the extra point ricocheted off the uprights before bouncing in for the point. Dallas 69 - Houston 0. Was it possible this was the first time Houston had been shut out in years past? Those who could remember were sure it was the first time Dallas had achieved holding the Energy scoreless. An end to an Era? Only the follow up meeting in Houston later in the season will tell the truth.
Next week the Diamonds travel to Baton Rouge to take on the 0-1 Louisiana Fuel. The Fuel opened the season against their cross state rivals the Aftershock with a 18-32 loss. The Diamonds hope to extend their record to 2-0 and return for a home game April 25th in a special appearance at Frisco's Memorial Stadium. Ticket prices start at $7 for kids and $10 for adults. Parking is free.
