High scores part of opening week in third season of WWCFL

Four weekend contests composed the opening week in the WWCFL’s third season. While the Calgary Rage had a bye-week to open their season, every game was won in a convincing fashion.

As the WWCFL expanded to nine teams, the lack of experience was painfully evident. The Grande Prairie Northern Anarchy and Okotoks Lady Outlawz both lost by overwhelming margins in their inaugural games.

The defending champion Saskatoon Valkyries continued their undefeated ways with a 52-12 thumping of the Winnipeg Nomads WolfPack. It is the Valkryies ninth consecutive win (dating back to the inaugural WWCFL season in 2011).
Valkyries running back Julie David (one of nine Valkyries named to the Canadian National Team roster) burned the Nomads WolfPack with 128 rushing yards and three touchdowns, respectively. Valkyries pivot Candace Bloomquist (named as a reserve for the National Team) only completed 50 % of her passes for 102 yards.

Natasha Cunningham etched her name in Grande Prairie Northern Anarchy history as she logged the first touchdown in franchise history. Donning number 99, Heather Misner earned the first quarterback sack, while number 44 for Grande Prairie, Samantha Lynds, registered the first interception for Grande Prairie.

Milestones aside, the squad was bested by a 50-14 tally at the hands of the Edmonton Storm. Contested in Peace River, the Northern Anarchy provided a hard hitting display on the defensive side of the football. Just like their expansion sisters in Okotoks, the Northern Anarchy need time to learn the game.

Under the leadership of new head coach Darren Fisher, the Regina Riot made a bold statement by defeating the Manitoba Fearless by a 35-0 deficit. On the offense, Carmen Agar and Claire Dore each logged two touchdowns.

The Riot’s other touchdown came from Adrienne Zuck, who returned a punt for a touchdown. Of note, Zuck and Dore are two of six players from the Riot named to the Canadian national tackle football team.

With new defensive co-ordinator Marcus (Chunky) Adams, a former competitor with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Rage are looking to make another statement in next week’s contest. Eager to prove that they are worthy of being in the championship conversation, their next opponent shall be Saskatoon on May 12.

Another shutout was also posted during the weekend as the Lethbridge Steel defeated the expansion Okotoks Lady Outlawz by a 74-0 dismantling. Having competed in last year’s WWCFL final, Lethbridge was led by Maddy Armstrong, Filomena Bieri, and Becky Heninger.

The crowd in attendance at Haywood High School proudly cheered on as the Lady Outlawz displayed pride and effort. Expansion woes aside, the Lady Outlawz gained valuable experience which will provide them with a template to work with.