Below, teams offer their insight on the game ahead! To read the first edition of “Burmy’s Brain” and this superfan’s weekly preview of many WFA games, click here!
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WHO: Minnesota Vixen at Madison Blaze
WHERE: Game date: April 7, 2018 @ Otto Breitenbach Stadium, Middleton, WI
by Vixen Staff
The official opening weekend of the Women’s Football Alliance sees the Minnesota Vixen on the road to start their 20th anniversary season, continuing a longtime rivalry with the Madison Blaze.
Both teams are experiencing change, with a new ownership structure for the Blaze and a new head coach for the Vixen in team owner and former player Laura Brown.
“(It’s) always a tough border battle with the Madison Blaze,” says Brown. “The first game of the season is our chance to see all of the hard work in the preseason finally pay off.”
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WHO: Knoxville Lightning (0-0) vs SC Smash (0-0)
WHERE: Melvin Park @ 370 A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin, SC, 6 p.m., Saturday, 7 April 18
By Anne Marie Snyder, Knoxville Lightning Staff
The Knoxville Lightning finished its season with a win last year in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) and they are hoping to make a statement as a first year member of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA). In their path to kicking off the season, the Lightning will be facing a battle-test WFA veteran team, the SC Smash. This upcoming game will establish a new rivalry and the outcome will lay the groundwork for a playoff run for the winning team.
“We have been preparing the defense for the Smash’s running game” said Head Coach Tim Beasley. “The Smash has a solid running game and love to run the misdirection in the backfield so we have been teaching the ends to stay at home and contain”.
Beasley also mentioned that since will be the first time the two teams meet, it will be a battle between the Smash’s running game and the Lightning’s passing game.
Fourth year veteran of the Knoxville Lightning stated, “I’m excited and ready to actually hit someone 100% other than my teammate. She is interested to see how much she has progressed since last season, as well as seeing what she still needs to work on for this season. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how our team works together and brings home the win!”
Rookie player, Dottie Moriarty mentioned that she is excited to be playing for the Knoxville Lightning this season. She stated, “Good sportsmanship is better than any win!”
Lena Bennett, Owner and Founder of the Knoxville Lightning stated, “I am really excited about our first season with the WFA. This is our team’s fourth season. This year we will truly have some good competition with teams we have never played before. It’s an exciting adventure for us!”
If you can’t see us live or want more information about our team, then please visit our website and follow the action via our social media pages:
Facebook – Knoxville Lightning
Webpage – WWW.KnoxvilleLightning.com
Twitter – @Knoxlightning14
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WHO: Austin Outlaws (D3) vs Dallas Elite (D1)
WHERE: Texas School for the Deaf, 7 p.m., Saturday, April 7
By Kelsy Parks, Austin Outlaws Staff
The Austin Outlaws look to kick off their 18th straight season in their “Legally Outlawed” debut against the Dallas Elite. The Elite will make the trip down to play in downtown Austin, and looks to be a good test for the rebuilding Outlaws. The Outlaws have a good returning squad to look out for, including Bridgette Brown who ran for the Outlaws last season for 500+ yards, plus a promising group of rookies.
The Outlaws also have a returning original in Shadana Chancellor-Hurd who is returning from retirement after 6 years. Hurd is a former multi-year All-American who is looking to come out on fire this season.
“We are looking forward to seeing how our rebuilding team will respond since the off-season. We are excited to get the first game under our belt against a championship caliber team that will test us and make us work hard,” said Outlaws General Manager Lily Messina.
Austin has a challenging opponent against the returning D1 champions, but what better way to test their hard work in the off-season. If you can’t see the team live or want more information about the Outlaws, please visit our website and follow the action via our social media pages:
Website: www.austinoutlaws.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theaustinoutlaws
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TheAustinOutlaws
