The Stampede Start Taking Charge

Tweet

Share It!

Print
Email

Have you heard? There is a new professional football team in town. They are launching the ball and hitting hard. I had the pleasure of watching the Nebraska Stampede Women’s Football team go up against the Kansas City Spartans on Saturday, May 1, at Rams Field in Ralston. It was a gorgeous spring evening and a night of “firsts”.

This was the Nebraska Stampede’s first home game. A rowdy ‘herd’ (crowd) of 220 showed up full of lung power to cheer the Stampede on. I was pleased to see that KETV & KPTM showed up with cameras to cover the excitement (check out previous Stampede coverage from WOWT and KMTV). It was off to the races when the Stampede’s power house defense stopped the Spartans on the first drive of the night!

The Stampede take on the SpartansThe Stampede’s first offensive play was a bad snap/fumble in the end zone, making the cheering herd nervous. I was so impressed with the presence of mind the quarterback, #3 Ashley Diehm, showed with recovering the ball and shoveling a completed pass to a teammate to save the play. Nice!

It was rough out there. A Kansas City offensive lineman (linewoman!) flattened one of our Stampede defensive linewoman on a false start infraction. I could hear the hit! It had to hurt. The night was littered with face mask penalties. Don’t even think this is powder puff football. I saw some serious hitting. #11 Shay Horn (who plays both offense and defense like many of the players) had several tackles—I lost track of how many. From where I sat, she looked to be one of the smallest players on the team AND one of the mightiest.

To recap just a bit, this is the Nebraska Stampede’s first season and first home game. In the second quarter, #26 Abby Cherney caught the ball in the end zone for the Stampede’s first ever touchdown! The crowd (oops, the herd) went nuts! What and exciting moment for the Nebraska Stampede!

Now fast-forward to the fourth quarter…after two penalties NOT in the Nebraska Stampede’s favor, #22 Brenda Hampton makes a nice catch that sets up a touchdown opportunity for the Stampede. The very next play, the Stampede run the ball into the end zone to take the LEAD! 18 - 16. Another first! My ears are still hurting from the hollering and cheering from the members of the ‘herd’ I was sitting with. What a moment.

The Nebraska Stampede is a brand new professional women’s football team. You could tell the Kansas City Spartans had a little more experience. In my opinion, the Stampede were out shining the Spartans with fewer penalties and much better tackling. In the end they lost 18 to 32—but you watch, this team is picking up a lot of steam. If you can’t make it to one of their games, you can support them by buying logo gear and/or donating money online.

The Nebraska Stampede is partners with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as its primary community charity. The Stampede game on June 19 against the Minnesota Machine has been designated as MDA Day. Come out and support MDA and the Stampede at the same time!

It is not to late! If you are interested in playing for the Nebraska Stampede, visit their website for more information and how to contact the Stampede.

Have you been to a game? Plan to go? What do you think of Women’s Pro Football? Talk to me! I enjoy connecting with you.

Photo Gallery

( click thumbnails to view slideshow )

Ann Troe (@AnnieDoodlebugz) is graphic designer and illustrator. http://AnnGraphics.com http://AnniesDoodlebugz.com