Four peat prominence

Valkyries claim fourth consecutive WWCFL title

A convincing 53-0 triumph against the Lethbridge Steel in the 2014 WWCFL championship game at Griffiths Stadium did more than just provide the Saskatoon Valkyries with an undefeated season, its third in franchise history. It solidified their standing as the first dynasty in WWCFL history and one of the great stories in modern day Canadian sport.

During the regular season, the Valkyries overwhelmed their opponents by a cumulative score of 194-7. The only touchdown allowed came in a 49-7 victory over rival Regina. The Prairie Conference postseason resulted in a 48-6 trouncing of Manitoba and a 44-15 win against Regina, their third of the season. Through six victories, the Valkyries dismantled their opponents with a cumulative score of 286-28.

Facing Lethbridge for the third consecutive year in the WWCFL finals, the squad finished in second place in the Western Conference. Despite racking up 62 points against Grande Prairie, the conference final was a close 29-26 victory over first-place Edmonton, who were looking to return to the finals for the first time since 2011.

For the Valkyries, the first touchdown scored would prove to be the one that clinched the title. Julie David returned a punt 63 yards to open the scoring. By halftime, Saskatoon boasted a 29-0 advantage as any comeback attempt appeared futile.

Despite a valiant effort from the Lethbridge Steel, who managed to move the ball quite well in the second half, a fourth quarter interception by Gillian Allen nullified any of their efforts. Returned 68 yards for a touchdown, it would put the game out of reach as the Steel were unable to mount an offensive attack that could solve Saskatoon’s punishing defense.

Having gone through the air for over 325 passing yards, Saskatoon quarterback Candace Bloomquist earned the game’s Most Valuable Player honors. Completing 21 of 30 passes in a sparkling performance, she would become the first female quarterback in Canadian football history to lead a team to four straight league championships.

Sadly, Bloomquist will not proceed with efforts to claim a fifth consecutive title. After the victory, Bloomquist announced that she made the decision to retire from the game. Having played in the WWCFL since its inception, she helped define the club’s strong team culture, bringing enthusiasm and a desire to succeed that will result in big shoes to fill for her successor.

Overall, such a strong season has extended a memorable year for the Valkyries organization. Last summer, Valkyries head coach Jeff Yausie served as the head coach for Canada’s entry at the 2013 IFAF Women’s World Championships in Vantaa, Finland. With over a dozen Valkyries on the Canadian roster, it was opportunity for the rest of the world to appreciate their greatness.

Based on their ability to dominate opponents in WWCFL play, the time truly comes as to whether the green and white could duplicate such success against a team in the Independent Women’s Football League. An exhibition contest against the IWFL’s Tier I or Tier II champions would be a unique display of female football at its best.

What the Valkyries have accomplished is more than just a series of victories and championships. Representing a strong chapter for female sport in both Saskatchewan and Canada, the franchise has risen to prominence in their home province, helping to put female football on the map.

Photo credit: Luke Banville/Global News