D.C. Divas Advance to Second Straight National Title Game, Defeat Boston Renegades, 47-21

Neal Rozendaal

Oxon Hill, MD - For the first time in team history, the D.C. Divas have won back-to-back conference championships. More importantly, the Divas now have one shot at an even bigger back-to-back accomplishment.

The D.C. Divas' offense exploded for seven touchdowns on their first eight drives as the Divas captured their second straight Eastern Conference championship, defeating the Boston Renegades, 47-21. The Divas advance to the 2016 WFA National Championship game in Pittsburgh on July 23, where they will face the Western Conference champion Dallas Elite in a rematch of last year's national title game that was won by the Divas, 30-26.

The Renegades (7-4) had struggled on offense the past several weeks since losing star quarterback Allison Cahill to a season-ending shoulder injury. But against the Divas, the Renegades gained some early offensive momentum by calling on running back Stacey Tiamfook, who made her playoff debut after suiting up in just one regular season game for Boston all season long.

With a well-rested Tiamfook in the lineup, the Boston offense was considerably more potent against the Divas than it had been in recent weeks. The Renegades received the opening kickoff, and Tiamfook gained 32 yards on two carries to put Boston in business in the Divas' red zone. A facemask penalty by the Divas extended the drive, and Chante Bonds - filling in the past few weeks for Cahill at quarterback - ran it in from three yards out to give Boston a 7-0 lead. The Renegades called 12 straight running plays to open the game to break out to an early lead.

The Divas (9-1) responded with a grinding, methodical drive that covered 75 yards and took nine minutes off the clock. The Divas converted three fourth-and-one situations on the drive and had the ball on Boston's nine-yard line as time expired in the first period. On the first play of the second quarter, Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin found wide receiver Ashley Whisonant in the end zone for a touchdown, and Stephanie Nealis booted her first of five successful extra point kicks to tie the score, 7-7.

Boston proved that their first touchdown was no fluke by engineering another scoring drive on their second possession. Third-down receptions by Tiamfook (16 yards) and wide receiver Adrienne Smith (17 yards) picked up first downs for Boston, and star Renegades running back Whitney Zelee zoomed into the end zone from ten yards out to put Boston back in front early in the second quarter, 14-7.

A team effort helped the Divas even the score. Callie Brownson set the Divas up with great field position on their next drive, returning the kickoff to the Boston 47-yard line. Divas wide receiver Kentrina Wilson made a huge 13-yard reception on third and six to keep the drive alive, and Whisonant drew a 15-yard pass interference penalty as well.

But running back Kenyetta Grigsby shouldered most of the load on the Divas' second possession, carrying the ball five times for 24 yards. Her fifth carry of the drive was an eight-yard jaunt into the end zone, and Nealis' kick re-tied the game at 14-all midway through the second quarter. Grigsby ended the contest with 26 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown.

Stephanie Nealis launched the ensuing kickoff out of the end zone for a touchback, and coupled with a Boston penalty, the Renegades started their next drive pinned at their own 15-yard line. The Divas' defense then made their first big play of the game, as Safi Mojidi pulled down her seventh interception of the season and returned it to Boston's 33-yard line.

Grigsby immediately ripped off a 24-yard run down the sidelines to set the Divas up with first and goal. Hamlin capped off the drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak into the end zone, and although Nealis' kick was blocked, the Divas had their first lead of the game, 20-14.

Tiamfook returned the following kickoff 27 yards to near midfield, giving Boston great field position late in the first half. But the Divas' defense forced a three and out, and Boston punted to the Divas' 20-yard line. The Divas ran the ball three straight times up the middle, burning Boston's remaining timeouts and most of the first half clock.

The Divas then punted the ball away, their only punt of the entire contest. After one play, time ran out on the first half, and the D.C. Divas took a 20-14 lead over the Boston Renegades into intermission. The Renegades successfully shortened the game in the first half, limiting the Divas' offensive possessions and going into halftime trailing by just six points.

D.C. received the second half kickoff and immediately expanded on their lead. Brownson had a terrific 27-yard run into Boston territory, and Wilson caught a 12-yard pass to get the Divas inside Boston's red zone. Whisonant polished off the drive with an 11-yard catch from Hamlin for a touchdown, and the Divas pulled ahead, 27-14.

But just as the Divas looked like they might be pulling away, Boston had one more counter-punch. Adrienne Smith returned the ensuing kickoff to midfield, and then Whitney Zelee took command. Zelee - the MVP of the 2014 national championship game who shattered a women's football record with an astonishing 3,020 rushing yards in 2013 - had been slowed by injury for most of the season. But she proved that, even when not fully healthy, she is still a formidable adversary. Zelee carried the ball three times on the drive and gained 49 yards, including a 30-yard scamper for a touchdown. The Renegades cut their deficit back down to 27-21 midway through the third quarter.

The Divas' red-hot offense, however, continued to put pressure on Boston. Whisonant dazzled the fans when she caught a pass from Hamlin, broke a tackle, and reversed course all the way across the field, gaining 34 yards before being pushed out of bounds at the Boston ten-yard line. Two plays later, Whisonant drew a pass interference call in the end zone to give the Divas first and goal from the Boston two-yard line. Hamlin called her own number on a one-yard touchdown run, and the Divas built their advantage back up to 34-21.

A rare mistake by the Renegades gave the Divas' defense the opening they needed. Tiamfook returned the kickoff 26 yards to near midfield and then gained four yards on two carries to set up third and six. On third down, the Renegades completed two forward passes on the same play, drawing an illegal forward pass penalty and setting up fourth and ten. Trailing by two scores at midfield, Boston decided to go for it. But Kucheria Eades batted down a pass intended for Smith and the Divas took over on downs, leading after three quarters, 34-21.

The Divas maintained their offensive momentum as the fourth quarter opened. Wilson - who finished the contest with five critical catches for 67 yards - snared a 20-yard pass from Hamlin to open the period. Three plays later, fullback Okiima Pickett dashed into the end zone from ten yards out to pad the Divas lead to 41-21.

The tricky, razzle-dazzle passing game of the Renegades finally began to backfire late in the contest. On a first down play at midfield, Boston attempted two laterals to set up a possible pass. But the second lateral was fumbled on a hit by Divas linebacker Kira Robinson, and Ashley Branch fell on it for the Divas at Boston's 40-yard line.

The D.C. offense then put the game away with their seventh touchdown in eight offensive drives. Tight end Melissa Washington caught a 14-yard pass on fourth and 11 for a first down, and Ashley Whisonant finished off the drive with a spectacular nine-yard touchdown catch from Hamlin at the back of the end zone. The Divas went on top, 47-21, midway through the fourth quarter. Allyson Hamlin finished the contest completing 14 of 21 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, while adding two touchdowns rushing. All three of Hamlin's scoring passes went to Whisonant, who made six grabs for 75 yards and a trio of touchdowns.

The Renegades began to press for big plays on offense, and Quiana Ford made them pay with an interception for the Divas. The Divas' defense stepped up big in the second half, led by Tia Watkins' seven tackles and Cherre Marshall, who added six. Trigger McNair and Dex Walker contributed four tackles each to the Divas' defensive cause.

The Divas drove into Boston's red zone and chewed up most of the remaining clock, turning the ball over on downs for the first time with 2:41 remaining in the contest. But Boston was quickly forced to punt, and the Divas ran out the clock on a convincing 47-21 victory to claim the 2016 WFA Eastern Conference championship.

The D.C. Divas are the first defending national champion in WFA history to repeat as conference champions and return to the national championship game the following year. After losing their opening contest of the season to the Dallas Elite, 40-19, the 2016 D.C. Divas have won nine games in a row to make it back to the national championship game. For the first time in WFA history, the national championship game will be a repeat of the previous season, as the Divas face the Dallas team that handed them their only blemish of the year.

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER
BOS 8:53 - Chante Bonds 3 Yd Run (Boston Kick Good) 0-7

SECOND QUARTER
DC 14:53 - Allyson Hamlin 9 Yd Pass to Ashley Whisonant (Nealis Kick Good) 7-7
BOS 10:28 - Whitney Zelee 10 Yd Run (Boston Kick Good) 7-14
DC 6:40 - Kenyetta Grigsby 8 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Good) 14-14
DC 3:40 - Allyson Hamlin 1 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Blocked) 20-14

THIRD QUARTER
DC 11:40 - Allyson Hamlin 10 Yd Pass to Ashley Whisonant (Nealis Kick Good) 27-14
BOS 8:39 - Whitney Zelee 30 Yd Run (Boston Kick Good) 27-21
DC 3:59 - Allyson Hamlin 1 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Good) 34-21

FOURTH QUARTER
DC 13:10 - Okiima Pickett 10 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Good) 41-21
DC 7:54 - Allyson Hamlin 9 Yd Pass to Ashley Whisonant (Nealis Kick No Good) 47-21

Divas Complete Eastern Sweep By Rolling Past Renegades, 55-7

Billion Dollar App Opportunity Get Paid to Play and Share This Hot New Sports App

Landover, MD - In their regular season finale against the Boston Renegades, the D.C. Divas had one final opportunity to audition for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and home field advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs.

With a dominating performance Saturday, it certainly looks like they'll get the part.

Allyson Hamlin threw five touchdown passes - three of them to Kentrina Wilson - and the D.C. defense completely shut down a short-handed Boston offense as the #2-ranked D.C. Divas rolled over the #5 Boston Renegades, 55-7. The Divas won their seventh straight game against Eastern Conference foes since dropping their season opener to the Western Conference-leading Dallas Elite.

The Divas (7-1) imposed their will early in the game, receiving the opening kickoff and immediately driving down the field for the game's first score. On fourth and nine from the Boston 33-yard line, Hamlin found Wilson open at the 15-yard line, and Wilson streaked the rest of the way to the end zone. Stephanie Nealis, who was seven for eight on extra point attempts on the evening, had her kick partially blocked for her only miss of the night, which kept the Divas' lead at 6-0 just over four minutes into the contest.

The Renegades (5-3) then took the ball for their first offensive possession of the evening. In their last game against the Chicago Force, the Renegades lost their star quarterback, Allison Cahill, to an apparent season-ending shoulder injury. Shauntay Stewart took over at quarterback for Boston, and they had some success on their opening drive. Behind the running of Whitney Zelee, the Renegades advanced to the Divas' 15-yard line, where they too faced fourth and nine.

The Renegades lined up for a possible field goal attempt, but they ran a fake and rolled out for a possible pass. The D.C. defense wasn't fooled, however; Helen Deer forced a fumble which was recovered by 18-year veteran linebacker Trigger McNair at the Divas' 28-yard line.

Running back Kenyetta Grigsby then took over for the Divas, carrying the ball seven times on the ensuing drive for 46 yards. Her final carry of the drive was a one-yard charge into the end zone, at which point she was mobbed by her teammates for achieving a historic milestone. Grigsby's touchdown was her 100th since joining the Divas back in 2010, and she became the first player in D.C. Divas history to score 100 touchdowns with the team. Grigsby finished the game with 81 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown, and her historic run gave the Divas a 13-0 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

A huge special teams play put the Divas in full control of the game minutes later. The Renegades were forced to punt on their next drive, and wide receiver Ashley Whisonant returned the kick 75 yards for an electrifying touchdown. Whisonant's punt return put the Divas ahead, 20-0, after one quarter of play.

A sack by Kira Robinson as the first quarter expired gave the Divas possession near midfield when the second period began. Whisonant visited the end zone for the second time in less than five minutes, this time on a seven-yard pass from Hamlin, to hand the Divas a 27-0 advantage early in the second quarter.

Late in the first half, the Divas got things rolling again. Once again, it was Kentrina Wilson doing the damage on a 21-yard touchdown reception with under a minute to play before halftime. Wilson's second touchdown grab of the first half gave the Divas a stunning 34-0 lead at intermission.

In a halftime ceremony, the D.C. Divas inducted their second class into the D.C. Divas Hall of Fame. Three outstanding former players - running back Rachelle Pecovsky, linebacker Ivy Tillman, and fullback Claudia Hogan - joined the Divas' late trainer, Nate "Daddy Nat" Randolph, as members of the D.C. Divas Hall of Fame Class of 2016.

In the third quarter, the D.C. defense made it clear that their 34-point lead would be enough, stopping the Boston offense on its first two drives of the second half. Tia Watkins led the D.C. defense with 12 tackles, while Trigger McNair and C'Vette Henson added four tackles each. Helen Deer contributed three tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.

The Divas' offense, meanwhile, added to their lead late in the third quarter. Wilson caught her third touchdown pass from Hamlin, a 22-yard scoring toss that handed the Divas a 41-0 lead. Wilson ended the game with five catches for 93 yards and three touchdowns.

The Boston Renegades then responded with their only scoring drive of the game. A 30-yard pass to Kathryn Tylander put Boston in scoring position, and two consecutive Divas penalties in the red zone gave the Renegades first and goal from the four-yard line. Chante Bonds got the Renegades on the scoreboard with a four-yard touchdown run, and the extra point kick made the score 41-7 after three quarters.

The D.C. Divas came into the game in a tight battle with the Chicago Force in the Massey statistical ratings for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, despite the Divas' head-to-head win over Chicago earlier this season. Because Chicago dismantled Boston two weeks ago, 58-14, the Divas had no choice but to continue to play out the fourth quarter and try to match Chicago's margin of victory.

Hamlin threw her fifth touchdown of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter, a five-yard toss to Callie Brownson that put the Divas on top, 48-7. On the Divas' next drive, Hamlin took it in herself from one yard out on a quarterback sneak to make the margin 55-7 with just under ten minutes to play.

The D.C. Divas cruised from there and came away with a 55-7 victory over the Boston Renegades. It was the most lopsided outcome in the 25 all-time meetings between the Divas and Renegades or their predecessors, the Boston Militia and Massachusetts Mutiny. The final margin surpassed a 44-7 defeat the Divas took at the hands of the Militia on May 19, 2012.

With the victory, the D.C. Divas clinched a first-round bye in the upcoming Women's Football Alliance (WFA) playoffs. The Divas will host a conference semifinal game on June 25 against an opponent to be determined.

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER
DC 10:41 - Allyson Hamlin 33 Yd Pass to Kentrina Wilson (Nealis Kick Blocked) 6-0
DC 4:03 - Kenyetta Grigsby 1 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Good) 13-0
DC 2:47 - Ashley Whisonant 75 Yd Punt Return (Nealis Kick Good) 20-0

SECOND QUARTER
DC 13:37 - Allyson Hamlin 7 Yd Pass to Ashley Whisonant (Nealis Kick Good) 27-0
DC 0:32 - Allyson Hamlin 21 Yd Pass to Kentrina Wilson (Nealis Kick Good) 34-0

THIRD QUARTER
DC 4:05 - Allyson Hamlin 22 Yd Pass to Kentrina Wilson (Nealis Kick Good) 41-0
BOS 2:03 - Chante Bonds 4 Yd Run (Boston Kick Good) 41-7

FOURTH QUARTER
DC 14:53 - Allyson Hamlin 5 Yd Pass to Callie Brownson (Nealis Kick Good) 48-7
DC 9:57 - Allyson Hamlin 1 Yd Run (Nealis Kick Good) 55-7

D.C. Divas Clinch Home Field Advantage with 56-28 Victory over Rival Renegades

D.C. Divas Football
Listen to the game rebroadcast

Landover, MD – It was the perfect end to a perfect 2015 regular season for the D.C. Divas.

Allyson Hamlin threw five touchdown passes, including the 200th of her career, the defense forced three first-half turnovers, and the D.C. Divas doubled up the Boston Renegades with a resounding 56-28 victory. The win clinches home field advantage for the D.C. Divas throughout the National Conference playoffs and gives the Divas their first perfect 8-0 regular season since 2009.

The victory was cathartic for the Divas (8-0), who struggled for years against the Renegades’ predecessor, the Boston Militia. The Militia had never lost to the same opponent twice in one season, and in fact, after a 6-2 record in their first year in 2008, they never again suffered two defeats in the same year. But the Divas topped the Renegades for the second time on Saturday, and the second victory came in decisive fashion.

The D.C. Divas immediately gained control of the game by dominating the first ten minutes of play. The Renegades (3-2) received the opening kickoff but quickly went three and out. The Divas then took over and put together a 71-yard touchdown drive, finished off by a five-yard touchdown run by Kenyetta Grigsby. The Divas grabbed a 7-0 advantage three and a half minutes into the game.

Cherre Marshall stepped up for the Divas, picking off Boston quarterback Allison Cahill for the first turnover of the night. The Divas instantly took advantage of Boston’s mistake, with Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin connecting with Ashley Whisonant for an explosive 79-yard touchdown pass. In the blink of an eye, the Divas seized a 14-0 lead.

Boston then suffered their second turnover of the evening, fumbling the ball away at their own 25-yard line with Helen Deer making the recovery for the Divas. That gave D.C. a short field to work with, and Allyson Hamlin capped off the quick drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak for the score. Eight and a half minutes into the contest, the Divas had taken a commanding 20-0 lead over the Renegades.

Boston’s offense soon warmed up, however. Facing fourth and five from the D.C. 13-yard line, the Divas were flagged for pass interference in the red zone on a pass the officials ruled as catchable, which gave the Renegades a first down. Three plays later, Stacey Tiamfook raced six yards to the end zone on third and goal with under a minute to go in the first quarter, and after one period, the Divas’ lead was sliced to 20-7.

The Divas’ offense responded with a 58-yard drive that culminated in a 36-yard touchdown pass from Hamlin to Whisonant. It was the 200th touchdown pass of Allyson Hamlin’s incredible, 13-year career, and it appropriately went to Whisonant, who has caught more of Hamlin’s scoring tosses than any other receiver. Hamlin’s 200th career touchdown pass restored the Divas’ twenty-point lead to 27-7.

Boston then turned to Brooklyn, New York, native Adrienne Smith to get back in the game. Smith caught two long passes on the ensuing drive for 57 yards, including a 37-yard scoring catch on third and 11. Smith’s only touchdown of the game pulled the Renegades back within two touchdowns at 27-14 midway through the second quarter.

The Divas came through with their fifth touchdown in five offensive possessions moments later, and again, it was Whisonant who snagged a 29-yard reception for a score. Whisonant scored three touchdowns – all in the first half – with 183 receiving yards on five catches. Her third touchdown grab of the evening put the Divas back on top, 34-14.

The Renegades continued their back-and-forth with the Divas, however, putting on a scoring show reminiscent of the high-scoring Divas-Militia games of years past. On their next drive, New Jersey resident Stacey Tiamfook rushed for 54 yards on six carries, including the key play by breaking free for a 24-yard gain on fourth and one. A short touchdown pass by Cahill with 2:13 left in the first half cut the Divas’ margin back down to 13 points, 34-21.

With just over two minutes to play before halftime, the Divas’ offense cranked into high gear and came through with another long touchdown drive, this one in lightning speed. The Divas traveled 61 yards in 61 seconds and scored with Grigsby scampering the final 13 yards to the end zone. Kenyetta Grigsby finished the game with 122 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Grigsby’s second score of the contest gave the Divas a 40-21 lead with just over a minute to go in the half.

The Renegades tried to cram one last touchdown into the first half, but with time running down, they had to take risks in the passing game. Boston was driving until Lindsay Sollers came in on a blitz to sack Cahill for a nine-yard loss with seconds remaining in the half. On third and 19, Kamil Maclin made the huge play for the Divas, picking off Cahill at the goal line for the third turnover by the D.C. defense in the first half. Time expired in the first half with the Divas on top, 40-21.

The D.C. Divas came out of the halftime break with possession of the ball and looking to add to their 19-point lead. Grigsby broke off a long run toward the Boston end zone, but she was ruled out of bounds at the two-yard line. The Renegades’ defense then made their first stand of the game, pushing the Divas back to the 11-yard line in three plays. Undaunted, Divas kicker Stephanie Nealis calmly booted a 28-yard field goal to extend the Divas’ lead to 22 points, 43-21.

On their next drive, the Renegades’ offense kept their team within striking distance by converting their third fourth-down play of the game. Smith caught an 11-yard pass on fourth and ten from the D.C. 14-yard line, and Tiamfook immediately followed that with a three-yard score. Boston drew within 15 points, 43-28, with five minutes left in the third quarter.

Yet again, the Divas had a response, cracking the scoreboard for the seventh straight possession. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Kentrina Wilson caught a 13-yard strike from Hamlin for the touchdown. Wilson ended the game with 82 receiving yards and a touchdown on six catches. Her fourth-quarter score gave the Divas a 50-28 margin seconds into the final period.

The Divas and Renegades had been scoring back and forth since late in the first quarter, with neither team able to consistently stop the opposing offense. Trailing by three touchdowns, the Renegades resorted to a hurry-up offense in an attempt to score quickly. Facing fourth and three from the Divas’ 43-yard line, Smith caught a pass and appeared to race to the end zone for a quick Boston touchdown.

However, the Renegades were flagged for an illegal shift, which negated the score and would have brought up fourth and eight. Boston’s coaches charged onto the field in protest of the call, and Boston – which had already been given a sideline warning earlier in the game – was flagged 15 additional yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. Now facing fourth and 23, the Renegades had no choice but to punt for the first – and only – time in the contest.

The extraneous activity may have fired up the Renegades’ defense, because the Divas were compelled to kick the ball right back to Boston for D.C.’s only punt of the night. Boston took over with 9:21 left in the contest, trailing by three touchdowns, but the Divas’ defense slammed the door closed. After stopping a Tiamfook run for no gain, the Divas forced three incomplete passes to recover the ball on downs. Eleni Kotsis led the Divas with seven tackles, while Cherre Marshall, Alicia Hopkins, and Helen Deer each added five apiece.

The Divas’ offense took over with 8:17 remaining in the game and holding a 50-28 lead. They put their final stamp on the win over their archrivals with a dominating, time-consuming push down the field. The offense chewed up seven minutes and 26 seconds on a 15-play drive, capped by Hamlin’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Lillian Cherry with 51 seconds left in the game. Hamlin played an absolutely masterful game, completing 17 passes on 20 attempts for 331 yards and five touchdowns. Cherry’s touchdown grab gave the Divas the final margin of victory, 56-28.

It was a statement win for the D.C. Divas, who clinched their sixth undefeated regular season in team history but their first since 2009. The Divas are the only remaining undefeated team in the National Conference and solidly hold claim to the top seed in the conference. They will have the right to host the first three rounds of the upcoming Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) playoffs, including the National Conference championship game. With a perfect regular season under their belts, the Divas now embark on the all-important second season – the playoffs, which will begin for the Divas on June 27 against an opponent to be determined.