WWCFL: Valkyries still the team to beat
As the only champion in the history of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, the Saskatoon Valkyries are more than just the league’s signature franchise, but one of the great Canadian sporting dynasties of the early century. The first two weeks of the fourth annual WWCFL season have shown that the dynasty is not ready to decline.
Convincing victories against the Manitoba Fearless and Regina Riot have resulted in an early stranglehold of the Prairie Conference title. Manitoba was on the wrong end of a 55-0 drubbing at Griffiths Stadium. Veteran running back and Canadian national team member Julie David punished the Fearless defense. Producing 190 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns, David was the key factor on offense.
Heading into the contest with arch-rival Regina, a 49-7 outcome was not expected. Taking into account that Regina handed Saskatoon its first (and only) loss in franchise history last season, the rivalry was only growing in intensity. In addition, Regina won its home opener on Mother’s Day weekend in a 41-7 whitewash of the North Winnipeg Nomads WolfPack, only increasing the expectations of the fans for a classic confrontation between the two Saskatchewan-based clubs.
Instead, the first play of the contest set the tone for Saskatoon as the opening kickoff was returned 78 yards for a touchdown. Followed by four touchdowns in the second quarter, the Riot were all but deflated. Ironically, the Riot managed 204 rushing yards, including a 112-yard performance by Carmen Agar and 92 yards by Chantel Morrison. Despite showing tremendous ball control, the Riot were unable to capitalize on any scoring opportunities, testament to the ability of the Valkyries to perform in clutch situations.
Considering that the Valkyries have 20 rookies on their roster this season, thoughts of parity heading into 2014 would have been completely understandable. Yet, there is still enough of a veteran presence to make them an absolute juggernaut on the gridiron. Complemented by head coach Jeff Yausie, quite possibly the best female football coach in Canada, his track record (including a stint as Team Canada head coach) shall only continue to provide positive results this year, strengthening a football legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
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