Passion prevails

Gal gridders take home opener.

One thing became abundantly clear while standing on the sideline of the South Side's Cupples Stadium last Saturday evening: When you're watching women's football, you're watching football.

For an hour of game time, the Pittsburgh Passion and Columbus Comets truly smacked the snot out of one another. Knee braces were prevalent on both sidelines. When the dust--if such a thing emanated from artificial turf--settled, the hometown's entry in the National Women's Football Association came away with a 6-0 win in their home opener, beginning the season 1-1 after a week one loss in Cleveland.

A few reflections on the game:

- After playing last season at Ambridge High School in Beaver County--where the Passion led the league in attendance--the move to Cupples Stadium has resulted in an even bigger crowd. Big and diverse enough to give you the idea that the team draws much more than just family and friends. It draws football fans.

Such as Franco Harris, who undertook the coin toss and has followed and supported the team for two years. He explained his interest by saying, "I love the game, first of all. I guess I would say that it's great to watch a segment of the population that hasn't had the opportunity to play the game play the game."

"When I first saw them play," Harris continued, "I was impressed by the level of play. I became a fan."

- It ain't sandlot football. Coaching and strategy and most definitely part of the women's game. As is serious, unfriendly-type contact. And passing. The passion's only TD of the game came on a corner route.

- The Passion has a player named Blocker. Her real name. If she doesn't get the job done, number 95, Reblock (again, legit name) can come in to clean up. A couple of things: Blocker's first name is Debi and, sadly, since she's a defensive lineman, doesn't block anyone. Perhaps the Passion should consider a position switch. Or Blocker a name change. Kim Reblock, contrary to her name, also plays defense. She's a linebacker. Someone ought to have a friendly chat with these women.

The Passion take on the Erie Illusion (71-0 losers to Columbus) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cupples. For schedule and ticket information, go here. To listen to Sports Editor Jody DiPerna call the plays go here.