By: Kevin Scholla (LFL360.com)
Tiffani Powers can do it all. There’s no doubt that the two-way starter at running back and linebacker is the straw that stirs the Tampa Breeze. The All-Fantasy selection even returns kicks. Basically, she can and does play anywhere and everywhere. She’s popular with fans for her on the field versatility and just as in demand off the field for the way she represents the LFL. There is one thing missing though…a championship. Powers knows this, and she wants that void to be filled come early 2011.
After a successful 2009 campaign individually, Powers believes her squad can take the necessary steps required for greatness. Last season Tampa got off to a sluggish start and found themselves in a 0-2 hole. The team showed character, however. Instead of folding, they rallied for two straight wins and only missed the postseason due to tiebreakers. Powers believes this time around the pieces will be in place, so tiebreakers won’t come into play.
Experience may play a part. “Being in games makes me better,” Powers said. “I have a full season’s experience now and so does much of our team. We all have the same winning mentality. That’s why we will be in the Lingerie Bowl.” Powers knows that veterans will need that added boost from newcomers, too. She feels that base is covered quite well.
“Our rookies are extremely talented,” said Powers. “They have great hands, strength, and speed. Most importantly, they are coachable.” She may be right. A quick glimpse at Breeze camp shows a talented pool of rookies. The height, speed, and hands of Bryn Rendo should bode well for Tampa. Saige Steinmetz adds some much needed blocking ability, plus she can catch. Oh, and that whistling sound you hear? That’s the football whizzing by your ear compliments of K.K. Matheny. The Breeze newbie has quite the arm and continues to show consistency day in and day out.
Powers and crew will need to be on top of their game all year long in the very tough Eastern Conference if they want to make a Lingerie Bowl run a reality. On paper, things certainly look promising. All-stars like Powers, Liz Gorman, Carie Small, and Emanda Doscher, a top coach in Yo Murphy, and a rookie class with a high ceiling for growth are all in place. “If we take everything we learn in practice and apply it to the games as a team, we’ll be fine,” Powers said. Philadelphia and Miami may have something to say about this, but Powers never expected it to be a breeze.
