Texas Elite Spartans Shock the Nation: Defeat #1 Mississippi Panthers at Home

The Texas Elite Spartans just reminded the entire country what Elite really means. In front of sell out home crowd, the Spartans delivered a commanding 27-6 win over the undefeated and #1-ranked Mississippi Panthers, avenging their heartbreaking 2024 IX Cup Championship loss and reasserting themselves as one of the premier teams in women’s pro tackle football.

The victory improved Texas Elite's 2025 record to 3-1, keeping them firmly in the playoff race and setting the tone for the second half of the season.

A Statement Win in Coppell

From the opening whistle, the Spartans suffocated a Mississippi offense that had been averaging 32 points per game  (the highest in the WNFC). The Spartans' defense limited the Panthers to just 6 points, far below their season average, and forced multiple key stops that turned the momentum early.

Quarterback Michelle Angel delivered a masterful performance, going 11-for-17 for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns, posting a quarterback rating of 123.4, one of the top ratings of Week 5 across the league.

On the ground, Janice Mitchell and Destanie Yarbrough powered a relentless rushing attack, combining for 86 yards on 18 carries, while Ashley McBay added a dynamic 38-yard performance, highlighted by a 22-yard burst into the red zone.

Defense Wins Games

The Spartans' defense put on a clinic against the Panthers, a team loaded with top offensive talent. Leading the charge was Deana Simmons-Guidry with 6 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, and Amber Kimbrough, who added a critical sack to halt a Panthers’ drive.

The defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, while the secondary, anchored by Grace Wiley and Jewelle Grimsley, locked down the Panthers' passing game, forcing several key incompletions.

Through five weeks, the Spartans' defense ranks:

• #2 in the WNFC in points allowed (6.5 points per game)

• Top 3 in rushing yards allowed per game

• Top 5 in total defense across the entire league

Offense Finding Its Rhythm

The Spartans offense is officially clicking:

• 4th in the league in scoring (30.5 points per game)

• 1st in the league in total offense (288.8 yards per game)

• 3rd in the league in rushing offense (147 rushing yards per game)

Michelle Angel currently ranks #3 among all WNFC quarterbacks in total passing yards (541), and Destanie Yarbrough ranks #3 in rushing with 313 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Summer McNeal, Maria Jackson, and Sarah Watson De La Torre continue to be threats through the air.

Special Teams Domination: Setting the Tone

It wasn’t just the offense and defense that showed out — Texas Elite’s special teams unit made a major statement against Mississippi.

The Spartans sacked the Panthers' punter twice, flipping field position and killing crucial drives. Amber Kimbrough led the charge with a sack on special teams, igniting the home crowd and swinging momentum firmly in the Spartans' favor.

Returners Ashley McBay and Jazmine Rambo also provided strong field position, with Rambo breaking a 29-yard kickoff return to set up a scoring drive.

Through five weeks, the Spartans' special teams continue to quietly be a difference-maker:

• Top 10 in kickoff return average

• One of the only teams in the league with multiple blocked/sacked punts

• Consistently winning field position battles, helping the defense dominate

It’s clear: Texas Elite is winning in all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams — making them one of the most complete teams in the WNFC.

Redemption Season: Road to the IX Cup

This win was personal.

In 2024, the Panthers edged the Spartans in the IX Cup Championship, 13-6. This year, the Spartans’ sights are clearly set on redemption and a return to championship glory. With a potent offense, a shutdown defense, and a team that’s battle-tested, Texas Elite is positioning itself as a serious contender to reclaim the throne.

The Spartans' remaining schedule includes key matchups, starting with an important road trip to face the Denver Bandits on May 3. Another dominant performance could help lock in playoff positioning heading into the final stretch of the season.

Key Stats Through Week 5:

• Record: 3-1

• Points Scored: 122

• Points Allowed: 26

• Total Offense: 1155 yards

• Total Defense: Only 26 points allowed in 4 games

• Top Offensive Players: Michelle Angel (QB), Destanie Yarbrough (RB), Ashley McBay (RB), Summer McNeal (WR)

• Top Defensive Players: Deana Simmons-Guidry (LB), Amber Kimbrough (DL), Grace Wiley (DB)

Get Ready, North Texas: It's Time to Pack the House

Upcoming Home Game:

• 📅 May 10 – Texas Elite Spartans vs. Houston Mambas

• 📍 Coppell, TX

• 7PM

• Buy Tickets Here

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