Saskatoon keeps Manitoba off scoreboard
The Saskatoon Valkyries looked like they were on a different level than their opponent Sunday, completely stifling the Manitoba Fearless in a 47-0 victory at Griffiths Stadium.
The win brings their Western Women's Canadian Football League record to 3-0 and their points for and against ratio for the season to 141-18.
The Valkyries offence played very well, but the defence completely dominated the visitors. At the end of the first half, Manitoba had yet to achieve a first down and had negative-12 yards net offence. They managed some yardage in the second half, but looked hopelessly overmatched throughout and were unable to find the scoreboard.
"I'm super happy with our defence today. I thought we weren't stressed a whole lot," said Jeff Yausie, head coach of the Valkyries. On top of the constant two-and-outs, they recovered a fumble and had two interceptions.
"When they've only got to drive 30 or 40 yards, it's a lot easier to score than when they have to drive 80 or 90," said Yausie.
Even though the result was never in doubt, Yausie saw his players face challenges on a play-to-play basis.
"They were very physical. We saw some super hard hits on our sideline, so that's the kind of thing they're dealing with and overcoming. That's one of the great things about football," he said.
The Valkyries players never let up, playing hard for the entire 48 minutes even as the score got out of hand.
"It doesn't matter what the score is. We play every down the same way. We play with intensity and that's how we've become so good," said Katie Miyazaki, who had a strong showing on both sides of the ball with an interception and a rushing touchdown at quarterback.
With the playoffs only a few weeks away, the Valkyries feel they need to make every play count.
"We want to be winning games three weeks from now and this is just a buildup for that," said Miyazaki.
Valkyries starting quarterback Candice Bloomquist threw for two touchdowns of 26 and 56 yards, despite wind that had the entire seating structure and press box swaying.
"It was a consideration. I had to calculate where the wind was at the time (of each play). It was kind of going all over the place," said Bloomquist. Hesitant to claim any credit, she pointed out contributions from the entire team.
"I think it was a team effort. Everybody was doing their assignments. The line was blocking, the receivers blocked when they needed to and caught when they needed to, and everybody was on their horse and running," said Bloomquist.
Just one game remains in the Valkyries season and it could potentially determine first place in the standings and the subsequent two home playoffs. They'll travel to Regina in two weeks to take on provincial rivals the Riot.
If Regina beats Winnipeg next week, they will have a chance to take top spot if they can oust the Valkyries the next weekend by a margin wider than the 36-6 score Saskatoon beat them by in the season opener. Coach Yausie expects the best Regina team they've faced yet.
"I expect a great football game. That was our closest game so far this season. They certainly moved the ball very well on us. I'm sure they'll be improving as well," said Yausie.
Regardless of that result, the Valkyries' first playoff game will be at home in Griffiths Stadium on June 24, with their opponent determined by the final league standings. The conference final will be played July 8, with the league championship taking place July 14 at Griffiths whether the Valkyries make it or not.
strembath@thestarphoenix.com
