The rivalry between Mod Quad dorms Pasquerilla West and Pasquerilla East is different than many long-standing feuds.
"PW is our sister," Pasquerilla East captain Allison Ferber said. "If they were playing anyone else I would root for them. But when we're playing each other, we really want to beat them."
Despite the more respectful nature of the rivalry, the Pasquerilla Cup is always a donnybrook, and it should be yet again when the Pyros and Purple Weasels face each other Sunday at 2 p.m. on West Quad.
Pasquerilla East lost Tuesday to Farley 14-0 in a game that saw the offense struggle and the defense allow touchdown passes of 35 and 60 yards. Still, Weasels captain Abby Nerlinger is making sure her team isn't overconfident.
"We'll be ready for them," she said. "It's always a big game with PE, since they're our sister dorm."
Ferber also sees a lot of potential in the young Pyros squad.
"A lot of our team is freshmen," she said. "Many of them were playing in their first interhall game."
The Pyro offense showed more life than the shutout against the Finest would indicate, as quarterback Laura Adams looked sharp connecting with Caroline Alley. Ferber was also impressed with the running game.
"We moved the ball well with our rushing," she said. "We just need to get a few big plays to go our way."
Weasel defensive tackle Sara Cermak feels confident, however.
"Our plan is to quash the running game," she said, "We're also looking to get as many sacks as possible."
As for the Purple Weasels, they are coming off a 6-6 tie with Walsh in which their defense dominated but their offense struggled.
The Weasels will rotate three quarterbacks in Sunday's game - Anne Marie Hart, Brenna Mannion, and Laura Joyce.
Each one brings a different set of skills, according to Nerlinger.
"Brenna was our second string quarterback last year, so she has more experience," the captain said, "Anne Marie is our deep threat, she can throw longer routes. Laura is good under pressure."
As for the defensive success, Nerlinger chalks that up to aggression and passion for the game.
"We played some very aggressive defense, especially our linemen," she said. "We love defense."
Farley vs. Walsh
The two defensive beasts of flag football finally meet.
Walsh (0-0-2) takes on Farley (1-1-0) this Sunday in what could be one of the best defensive battles in this young season.
Walsh has given up only one touchdown this season, and Farley has just given up three. Tuesday, Walsh tied Pasquerilla West 6-6, and Farley defeated Pasquerilla East 14-0.
"Our defense is pretty tough," Finest wide receiver/running back Erin Mulholland said. "We know what's at stake and I think we'll play a great game."
Walsh, on the other hand, needs to do some major regrouping after the loss of their captain and quarterback last game. Carrie Campbell was injured in an extra point attempt against Pasquerilla West.
"I just have a sprained ankle, it doesn't look like I'll be playing, but you never know," Campbell said of Sullivan.
This will force Walsh's freshman quarterback, Mary Sullivan to step up and lead the Wild Women.
"She's got a good head on her shoulders and I think she'll do well," Campbell said of her protégé.
Farley's offense should be strong, according to captain Angelina Zehrbach.
"Our two receivers, Diane Duran and Megan Spokes are amazing, they always get open," Zehrbach said. "We are going to come out with a strong offensive line and give our QB some time in the backfield."
Farley's game plan is to maintain what has been working for them and to adjust to its opponent.
"One of our greatest abilities is to adapt to whichever team we are playing," Zehrbach added.
The Finest have confidence and despite a win under their belt, Walsh feels it can play with Farley.
"We put in a new formation and we're going to run some different plays from that," Campbell said, "[We will] generate some more passing plays and options."
Badin vs. Pangborn
One shutout its opponent and the other was shutout.
Sunday, this is sure to change, as the Badin Bullfrogs take on the Pangborn Phoxes.
Last week, Badin defeated Lewis with a score of 7-0, while Pangborn lost to Welsh Family 19-0.
"As a whole, we played a very good first game," Badin captains Stephanie Heath said. "Our defense played a fantastic game."
Meanwhile, Pangborn is still working on its offense.
"Our offense is brand new," Pangborn captain Katie Murray said. "[The] Welsh Family game was the first time we'd ever played under the pressure of a real game."
Now, after playing two games each, both teams are ready for the game against each other. They did not get a chance to face each other last season.
"We know that Badin is the returning champion," Murray said. "They're going to be tough."
Pangborn hopes Sunday will be a springboard for the season.
"I'm hoping Sunday we can really find our groove by knowing which plays and players consistently perform and using that as a pattern to follow the remainder of the season," Murray said.
Badin is ready to face the Phoxes.
"We have continuous practices," Heath said. "We added a couple new plays and adjusted to our weaknesses."
Badin's defense is strong and a key factor in their games. Some of the key players are Rita Morgan, a captain, and Colleen Mallahan. In the game against Lewis, Morgan made an interception that made a big difference in the game.
Badin's offense is strong as well, although they took some time to get into the first game.
"Our offense has a good core of receivers," Heath said. "We hope for a full 40 minutes from the offense [next game]."
Even though Pangborn's offense is new, it has learned a lot through its experience of the games.
"At the end of the last game, we gained some offensive momentum and things started to click," Murray said. "This week I think we can continue that momentum and use it. After Sunday's loss, everyone realized we needed to step up and everyone did."
The game is set for 6 p.m.
