Last dance in 2024 for Valkyries versus Riot rivalry

Provincial foes go at it for WWCFL championship

Alex Eyolfson, right, calls a play in the huddle for the Valkyries.

Alex Eyolfson believes it is fitting the WWCFL season will end with a clash between her Saskatoon Valkyries and the Regina Riot.

Since the start of the WWCFL in 2011, the Valkyries and Riot have had the circuit’s biggest and most storied rivalry. The two sides go at it one last time in the 2024 campaign in the WWCFL Championship Game being held on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

“They’re always our rivals,” said Eyolfson, who is the Valkyries star quarterback. “We expect this us and Regina.

“We just prepare hard, and we’ve prepared all season. We’re just excited, and we’re really excited for Sunday night to play them.”

The Valkyries enter the contest with a 5-0 overall record, while the Riot are 3-2 overall. Saskatoon took both regular season meetings between the two sides. On April 28, the Valkyries down the Riot 19-6 at Leibel Field, and Saskatoon rolled to a 41-7 victory at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on May 18.

The Valkyries will be trying to win a fourth consecutive WWCFL title and to keep their 32 game winning streak alive too when they face the Riot. Saskatoon’s last loss came way back on June 24, 2018 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, when the host Riot claimed a 14-10 victory in that year’s WWCFL title game.

The two clubs last met in the WWCFL title game on June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium. The Valkyries took that encounter 25-3 in a campaign where they were playing to honour the memory of their late defensive position coach Justin Filteau, who passed away in a plane crash on June 1 of that same year.

“It has been a long time since we played a championship game in Regina,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “That (2019 WWCFL championship season) was an emotional year for us.

Aimee Kowalski (#12) passed for 1,093 yards in the regular season.

“It is exciting to be in this situation again. There are only a couple of teams in the country still playing, and they both happen to be from Saskatchewan. That is pretty exciting, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Eyolfson is one of a strong group of core players that was with the Valkyries in 2019. While they’ve experienced sizable turnover since that 2019 season, the signal caller said the veterans continue to keep Filteau’s memory alive and pass along memories to the team’s newcomers.

“We always play for Filteau,” said Eyolfson. “He is always in our hearts.

“This one, I think we just try and treat every final kind of the same. We’ve prepared all season so well. We’re just coming with lots of energy, and we’re just so excited.

“It is always a big deal.”

Last Sunday, the Valkyries routed the Manitoba Fearless 48-14 in a WWCFL semifinal at SMF Field. One day earlier, the Riot claimed the other WWCFL semifinal blanking the host Calgary Rage 29-0 at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta.

Eyolfson believes her squad is climbing to a spot where everyone is peaking. She said the Valkyries were pleased with their semifinal win over the Fearless.

“I think we just want to build on that game, and we really came together as an offence,” said Eyolfson. “We had a couple of rocky games this season.

Reed Thorstad (#12) is a sure-handed pass catchers for the Valkyries.

“We’re just building on last game. We’re just practicing really hard, and we’re coming together. I think we are going to peak, hopefully, in the final. Our best is yet to come.”

Barry believes the Valkyries are in a good place on all fronts heading into the WWCFL championship game.

“We’re pretty healthy knock on wood,” said Barry. “We’ve got some experienced players.

“We’ve got some young players who are making big efforts for us, and it is really exciting to see.”

During the Valkyries four regular season games, Eyolfson completed 71-of-114 passes for 899 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Wright has had a big season for the Valkyries carrying the ball 60 times for 326 yards.

Haley Girolami topped the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards coming off 19 catches. Reed Thorstad led the Saskatoon side with 24 catches that went for 291 yards.

Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski completed 104-of-184 passes for 1,093 yards and eight touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions in the regular season. 

Star receiver Shanelle Rioux had an outstanding campaign for the Riot hauling in 35 passes for 570 yards and six touchdowns.

The two squads were near even in total offensive yards in the regular season with the Valkyries posting 1,446 yards and the Riot collecting 1,442 yards. Defensively, the Valkyries gave up just 805 total yards in the regular season, while the Riot allowed 1,371 yards.

Riot R Shanelle Rioux (#16) battles Valkyries DB Jaimyn Mantyka.

Outside linebacker Sydney Schenn, who played a three game exhibition series for the Riot in 2021 before joining the Valkyries in 2022, is pumped her Saskatoon side gets to see the Riot once again.

“It is exciting, because it is a big rivalry,” said Schenn. “I came from there too, so it is really exciting.

“It is always a big week to play against them just to play against old teammates and really show what our preparation can do.”

Eyolfson said the Valkyries have a good mix of veterans and newcomers this season. The mix keeps the Valkyries driving forward.

“There is so much talent on our whole team,” said Eyolfson. “With offence, we have so many options to go to.

“If someone is not open, someone else will be. I have so much trust in our receivers and my o-line and Sarah (Wright) and Teagan (Craig) and all the running backs and Drew (Lundquist). I have trust in everyone, and it is just exciting to see all the talent we have.”

The signal caller said her squad has the right type of confidence too heading into the WWCFL title clash with the Riot.

“If we execute and we’ve prepped so hard this season this week just going in and doing what we do best it should be our game,” said Eyolfson. “You have to stay grounded too.

OLB Sydney Schenn has become a Valkyries standout on defence.

“I think it should be a good game. It will be exciting.”

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Girolami kickstarts Valkyries to romp over Fearless

Saskatoon advances to WWCFL title game against Riot

Haley Girolami had seven catches for 118 yards and two TDs on Sunday.

The return of Haley Girolami has been one of the biggest subplots to the Saskatoon Valkyries 2024 campaign.

Last year, the star receiver was lost in the team’s second regular season game due to injury. Girolami suffered a tibial plateau fracture and a PCL tear in her left knee during that contest, which placed her on the shelf for the rest of the 2023 campaign.

She ended up helping the Valkyries with coaching the club’s other receivers along with cheering on her teammates. Girolami watched on the sidelines as the Valkyries blanked the Calgary Rage 40-0 in the WWCFL Championship Game on June 24 of last year at Griffiths Stadium.

Haley Girolami, left, breaks loose from a Fearless defender.

This year Girolami will be in uniform for the WWCFL title clash. That is because on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field she caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Girolami’s offensive outburst helped kickstart the Valkyries to a 48-14 romp over the visiting Manitoba Fearless in a WWCFL semfinal clash between the two sides.

“It was a very hard year last year,” said Girolami. “It was a different kind of mindset last year to help and just be a cheerer on the sideline not being able to do something and try and make a difference in the games.

“I’m just happy, and I am thankful to be healthy this season. I am just so excited to play alongside this team in the finals one more time.”

The Valkyries celebrate a first quarter TD from Haley Girolami (#17).

With the win, the Valkyries improved to 5-0 overall on the campaign, pushed their winning streak out to 32 games and advance to face their provincial rivals the Regina Riot in the WWCFL Championship Game. The Fearless finish out at 0-5 overall.

On Saturday, the Riot claimed the other WWCFL semifinal blanking the host Calgary Rage 29-0 at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta. The Riot improved to 3-2 overall, while the Rage finished out at 4-1 overall.

The Riot host the WWCFL final this coming Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina. The Valkyries will be trying to win a fourth consecutive league championship.

Haley Girolami had a team high 320 receiving yards in the regular season.

Girolami is pumped the Valkyries will play for a WWCFL title again.

“It does feel good,” said Girolami, who has been with the Valkyries for their last three WWCFL title wins. “We’re very excited.

“We’ve had a few ups and downs this year and a few closer games. We’re really happy to be back into the final game, and I think we’re ready to give it our all.”

Sunday’s post-season outing was big follow up to a stellar regular season for Girolami. She topped the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards coming off 19 catches as the squad placed first in the Prairie Conference with a 4-0 mark.

Haley Girolami, left, celebrates a TD catch with Reed Thorstad.

“It is so big to have Haley (Girolami) back,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry, who club played in on and off again rainy conditions on Sunday. “I’m a big fan of hers.

“She’s an explosive athlete. She is such a positive person. She might be the most competitive person on our team, and there are a lot of competitors on our team.

“It is exciting to have her back and healthy.”

Girolami gave the Valkyries a spark after they had a small stumble out of the gate on Sunday. Just 91 seconds into the contest, the Valkyries had a mishap in fielding a punt deep in their end of the field, which resulted them in ultimately giving up a safety to give the Fearless a 2-0 lead.

Reed Thorstad tosses away a defender after making a catch.

After forcing the Fearless to punt again on their ensuing possession, the Valkyries got to work turning to Girolami. Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson hit Girolami with a deep pass down the right sideline. That catch went for a 49-yard touchdown reception to give the Valkyries a 7-2 at the 4:40 mark of the opening quarter.

Just under four minutes later, the Valkyries added a 17 yard field goal from receiver/kicker Grace Moehler to push their advantage out to 10-2.

With Girolami having come through with a big reception for a major score, the rest of the Valkyries receivers were finding room to work. Star inside receiver Reed Thorstad would haul in a 38-reception and was tackled down at the Manitoba three yard line. That catch ultimately set up a one-yard touchdown run two plays later from Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright that gave the hosts a 17-2 lead heading into the second quarter.

Alex Eyolfson (#15) completed 16-of-24 passes for 287 yards.

Thorstad finished the contest with five catches for 83 yards. She said Girolami’s presence helps open things up for the rest of the Valkyries playmakers in the passing game.

“She (Girolami) is a talented receiver, and she also works her butt off,” said Thorstad. “She is always going to attack the ball.

“She is always going to be making that extra effort on blocks, and I think having that energy on our offence just ups it a lot for us. It just means we have so many targets on the field, which is awesome.”

The Valkyries kept the offensive fireworks coming in the second quarter. Moehler kicked a 25-yard field goal into the wind to give the Valkyries a 20-2 lead. Wright rolled off a 53-yard touchdown run to put the hosts up 27-2 at halftime.

Sydney Schenn makes one of her seven total tackles on Sunday.

Just 2:24 into the third quarter, Eyolfson hit Girolami with a 14-yard touchdown pass to push the Valkyries lead up to 34-2.

The Fearless proceeded to put together a scoring drive that was capped by quarterback Madison Siwicki hitting inside receiver Cassidy Turski with a 19-yard touchdown strike. The visitors tried to go for a two-point conversion but a dump pass to running back Breanna Hargrave came up short of the end zone to make the score sit at 34-8 in favour of the Valkyries.

With 1:47 remaining in the third quarter, Eyolfson connected with star receiver Ricki Obed on a 48-yard pass and run touchdown to give the Valkyries a 41-8 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Kelsey Murphy returns an interception 38 yards for the Valkyries.

Early in the fourth quarter, Siwicki scored a major on a one-yard quarterback sneak for the Fearless. Siwicki’s pass on a two-point conversion attempt fell incomplete to make the score sit at 41-14 in favour of Saskatoon.

The Valkyries rounded out the game’s scoring with a 49-yard touchdown run from Teagan Craig, who is playing in her first season with the Saskatoon side. The 48 points the Valkyries scored on Sunday were a team high for the 2024 campaign.

Thorstad said it was big for the Valkyries to get everyone who suited up for the contest into the game.

“I think that was great for us,” said Thorstad. “We’ve got a lot of people.

Emmarae Dale had eight total tackles for the Valkyries.

“We have a deep bench. Teagan (Craig) has speed, and it was fun to see her be able to turn on the jets in some open space and get it in the end zone. I’m excited for her and excited for some of our receivers that had some catches today too.”

Eyolfson finished the contest completing 16-of-24 passes for 287 yards, three touchdown and no interceptions. Wright topped the Valkyries with 65 yards rushing on seven carries to go with her two major scores.

Siwicki completed 11-of-28 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown, while throwing three interceptions for the Fearless. Receiver Morgan Moffatt topped the Manitoba side with 64 receiving yards coming on four catches. Star running back Hallie Eggie led the Fearless in rushing with 19 carries for 85 yards.

Teagan Craig had a 49-yard touchdown run for the Valkyries.

On defence, Valkyries outside linebacker Sydney Schenn had seven total tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale led the Valkyries with eight total tackles and an interception.

Veteran defensive back Kelsey Murphy returned an interception 38 yards for the Valkyries, while safety Jaimyn Mantyka and defensive back Kaylin O’Neill each had fumble recoveries.

Linebacker Belle Jonasson had a big game for the Fearless with 6.5 total tackles, one quarterback sack, two pass knockdowns and one interception. Fearless linebacker Jill Fast had one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Hargrave, who was playing both ways, topped the Fearless with eight total tackles.

Cassidy Turski, left, had a TD catch for the Fearless.

Looking back at the start of the season, Girolami said she was ready to get going after recovering from her injury.

“I had tonnes of nerves,” said Girolami, who stand 5-foot-9. “I felt hungry for it.

“I wanted it so bad this year. It was hard to sit out and be on the sideline. I wanted to be with them and playing.

“Our team just gets better every year, so I wanted to be a part of that learning and growing this year.”

The 28-year-old has had a blast being part of the team on the field again.

“It has felt so good,” said Girolami. “It feels super nice to be back and making some plays.

Backup QB Julia Smith (#11) fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

“It is great, because we have so many threats on offence. It is amazing to move the ball around.”

Now, the Valkyries turn their attention towards the Riot. The last time the two Saskatchewan rivals met in the WWCFL title game was back in June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium, and the Valkyries came away with a 25-3 victory on that day.

“It is exciting,” said Barry. “It has been five years since we’ve played Regina in the final.

The Valkyries celebrate their WWCFL semifinal win on Sunday.

“It is not in Mosaic Stadium this time. It is in Leibel Field. We’re excited for the opportunity. We’re looking forward to it.”

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Valkyries post-season road starts with WWCFL home semi

Fearless up next to try and halt Saskatoon’s title quest

The Valkyries are on a quest to win a ninth WWCFL title.

Sarah Wright said every year there are always players on the Saskatoon Valkyries looking to experience their first championship.

That might sound strange for a team that has won the Western Women’s Canadian Football League championship the last three straight times it has been contested. The Valkyries have won eight of the 11 WWCFL Championship Games that have been held since the circuit’s inaugural campaign in 2011.

Wright is the Valkyries veteran star running back who has been with the team since 2017. While she has been a big part of the Valkyries last three straight WWCFL title wins, Wright noted there is always a crop of newcomers to the team who have never experienced a WWCFL title win.

As the Valkyries begin their journey through another WWCFL post-season, that fact always supplies some motivation. The Valkyries (4-0) host the Manitoba Fearless (0-4) in a WWCFL contest on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Sarah Wright carried the ball 60 times for 326 yards in four games.

“We’re very excited,” said Wright. “Every year it seems like we keep getting more younger girls, and it is really exciting.

“We’ve had so much depth this season, which has been something we’ve lacked in other years. We’re excited to get a lot of people on the field and really show it to Winnipeg and get to that final.”

The winner of the clash between the Valkyries and Fearless will travel to face the winner of the other WWCFL semifinal between the Regina Riot (2-2) and Calgary Rage (4-0). The Riot and Rage go at it on Saturday at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta.

The WWCFL semifinal on Sunday in Saskatoon will be the Valkyries final home game for the 2024 campaign.

QB Alex Eyolfson fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

“It felt like it has been pretty quick, even though we started at the end of January,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “Another season has come and gone.

“Now, we are ready for playoffs, which is the part that we’re really excited about.”

The Valkyries will be trying to keep their 31 game winning streak alive too when they face the Fearless. Saskatoon’s last loss came way back on June 24, 2018 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, when the host Riot claimed a 14-10 victory in that year’s WWCFL title game.

While the Valkyries won both of their regular season encounters with the Fearless in 2024, the victories were not eye-popping romps but rather games where the Saskatoon side slowly pulled away. On May 5 at SMF Field, the Valkyries blanked the Fearless 26-0. On June 2 at St. Vital Mustangs Field in Winnipeg, the Valkyries claimed a 19-0 victory in a clash that closed the regular season for both clubs.

“We had a tough game in Winnipeg,” said Barry. “It was 9-0 late in the third quarter.

Haley Girolami (#17) leads the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards.

“We managed to stop them. We got a big defensive touchdown. They are a good football team.

“We’ve had some tough ones against them in the last few years. We’re happy we get them at home.”

Wright has had a big season for the Valkyries carrying the ball 60 times for 326 yards. Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson completed 71-of-114 passes for 899 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Haley Girolami topped the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards coming off 19 catches. Reed Thorstad led the Saskatoon side with 24 catches that went for 291 yards.

Running back Hallie Eggie is the top offensive threat for the Fearless carrying the ball 73 times for 313 yards in the regular season.

Reed Thorstad leads the Valkyries with 24 receptions.

At this point in the campaign, Wright believes the Valkyries are in a good place both mentally and physically. While her squad is undefeated, she said her squad continues to get pushed by their WWCFL foes.

“The league just keeps getting better,” said Wright. “The quality of football just keeps getting better.

“Us as a program has to continue to get better. We have had some tough games, but us as a core group we continue to show why the Valkyries are one of the strongest teams in Canada. It is just we can rely on each other, and we just keep pushing through.”

In the present, the Valkyries are focused on concluding their home schedule on a high note. Wright said it is always special to host a home game this late in a campaign.

“Last home game, it is nice because we’re lucky enough to get a home game, and some people don’t,” said Wright. “We love having fans there.

The Valkyries aim to build on their 31 game winning streak.

“I think that is one of the biggest things that kind of riles all of us up. We’re very happy to play at home, and where ever the final may be, I think we will still have a lot of our fans coming to travel with us. I think it will be great.”

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Feel good football Saturday for folks in Saskatoon

Roughriders, Valkyries provide sweet moments at SMF Field

Roughriders players meet their fans at SMF Field.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Saskatoon Valkyries brought out the warm and fuzzy feelings.

On Saturday, the CFL’s most popular franchise and the WWCFL’s most decorated powerhouse club took centre stage at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Roughriders were hosting their Green and White Day during the afternoon and the Valkyries hosted and downed their provincial rivals the Regina Riot in a night time WWCFL regular season contest to improve to 3-0 on the 2024 campaign.

Overall, it was a great day for football, and if you stayed for both events, you spent a fantastic nine hours at the storied football facility that dates back to 1960.

The festivities started at 1 p.m. with the annual “Rider State of the Nation” fan forum held in the main hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Dave Thomas, who is the new play-by-play voice of the Roughriders, moderated a panel discussion that included the team’s first year head coach in Corey Mace, vice-president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day and president and CEO Craig Reynolds.

Along with the panel discussion, a question and answer period was held for the fans in attendance.

Mace was the most popular person with the fans representing Rider Nation due to being the team’s new head coach. The sideline boss drew cheers when he said he wanted to build a team that reflected the natural makeup of the people of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band plays on Saturday.

He said he plans for the team to field an aggressive defence. Mace added for another Grey Cup championship to be won the team and the province will do it together and hopefully have a celebration soon. Those words drew another ovation.

Outside in the plaza area that is shared by the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building, SMF Field and Joe Gallagher Field, all sorts of activities were happening during the time the fan forum was going on up until the Roughriders took part in on field activities at SMF Field.

There were kids’ games and also a play area for the youngsters. 

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band put on a performance and members of the Rider Cheer Team were stationed at the main gates along with wandering the grounds to meet the team’s supporters. Fans also got to interact with the team’s famed mascot in Gainer the Gopher.

On field activities started around 3:15 p.m. They started with a performance by the Rider Cheer Team, the introduction of Gainer and the Roughriders came out to their traditional “Bring ’Em Out” entrance.

In most past years, the on field activities usually saw the Roughriders hold an intrasquad game. With the Roughriders slated to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in an exhibition contest on Monday at 2 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Roughriders on field activities on Saturday focused more on preparation leading to the tilt with Winnipeg.

The Rider Cheer Team performs at SMF Field.

The team did special teams return drills, some scrimmage drills, seven-versus-seven drills, offensive line versus defensive line drill and field goal drills. Those activities wrapped up about 4:45 p.m., and the players and coaches proceeded to meet the fans hanging along the fence line.

Once the Roughriders departed the scene, the Valkyries and Riot took over SMF Field for their clash that kicked off at about 7:15 p.m. The contest was played under a setting sun that gave way to night fall with the game continuing under the stadium’s lights.

The clash turned into milestone night for the Valkyries, who rolled to 32-7 lead at halftime and cruise to a 41-7 victory. 

The win allowed the Valkyries to improve to 3-0 and lock up first place in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference. The Riot fell to 1-2.

The victory improved the Valkyries overall winning streak to 30 games. Their last loss came way back on June 24, 2018, when they dropped a 14-10 decision to the Riot in the WWCFL’s Championship Game played at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatoon has since won the last three WWCFL title games that have been played.

Alex Eyolfson fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson completed 19-of-29 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. 

Valkyries star receiver Haley Girolami, who missed much of last season with a leg injury, showed she was back in top form catching five passes for 120 yards.

Star slotback Reed Thorstad hauled in seven passes for 99 yards and one touchdown for the host side. Star running back Sarah Wright led the Valkyries with 76 yards rushing coming on 13 carries. She scored one touchdown along the ground and one through the air.

Veteran receiver Ricki Obed had a receiving and a rushing touchdown for the Valkyries. Kicker Grace Moehler had a field goal, five converts and a single.

Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski completed 25-of-49 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. 

Riot star receiver Shanelle Rioux caught nine passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. Morgan Taylor converted the Riot’s major score.

The Riot now take on the Manitoba Fearless (0-2) on May 26 at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

The Valkyries close their regular season schedule by traveling to winning on June 2 to face the Fearless at St. Vital Mustangs field at 1 p.m. local time.

The Valkyries are all smiles after their win on Saturday.

Overall, Saturday both day and night were alright at SMF Field. The Roughriders and Valkyries made it a feel good time for football fans in “The Bridge City.”

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Valkyries on cusp of last dance for 2023 season

Saskatoon aims to win third straight WWCFL title Saturday

Sarah Wright is having another big season for the Valkyries.

It will all be about taking care of business in the present for the Saskatoon Valkyries on Saturday.

The Valkyries are set to host the Calgary Rage in the WWCFL Championship Game on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is looking to win a third consecutive league title with the previous wins in this run coming last year and in 2019.

The WWCFL’s 2020 and 2021 campaigns were cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world. The Valkyries were able to play a three-game exhibition series against their provincial rivals the Regina Riot in 2021.

On top of going for a third consecutive title, the Valkyries are trying to win their eighth league title in team history having joined the WWCFL in its inaugural campaign in 2011.

With the Valkyries having so much success in their history, head coach Pat Barry was asked how special this opportunity was for the team’s rookies like defensive back Mykayla Laroque. Barry didn’t want to discount how important it is to have the opportunity to play in the WWCFL’s title game for everyone on the team’s roster.

QB Alex Eyolfson aims to lead the Valkyries to another WWCFL title.

“It is special for all of us,” said Barry. “You never know when you are going to get back.

“We do have a lot of new people on our team, especially in our defensive backfield. “Rocky” (Laroque) is one of them. I was sort of counting on our roster earlier in the year, and more than half of our team never played in 2019.

“It is a pretty young team actually that we have here.”

The Valkyries head into this contest having won their last 26 games in a row including two forfeit victories. Their last loss game way back on June 24, 2018, when they dropped a 14-10 decision to the Riot in that year’s WWCFL title game held at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Saskatoon has a 7-0 overall in the 2023 campaign.

The Rage enter the WWCFL title game with a 4-1 overall record. Their lone loss came in a pre-season game in Calgary on April 22, when they fell 50-2 against the Valkyries.

MLB Emmarae Dale (#45) keeps piling up big plays for the Valkyries.

Calgary’s only appearance to date in the WWCFL final came back on June 10, 2017 taking on the Riot at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a neutral site clash. The Rage turned the ball over 10 times in that contest and were blanked 53-0.

Despite what has transpired in the past, Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright believes her team can’t be going into the WWCFL title clash thinking everything is going to fall into place. Wright said the Valkyries want to come out and play their best.

“Big last game, (and) we’re excited,” said Wright. “We played Calgary in our pre-season game.

“We’re excited to see them back in the final and to show why Saskatchewan football is so good.”

The Valkyries defensive unit is good at swarming to the ball.

Last year, the Valkyries dumped the Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless 36-6 in the WWCFL title game held at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The last time a WWCFL title game was held at Griffiths Stadium was way back on July 5, 2014, when the Valkyries blanked the Lethbridge Steel 53-0.

The Valkyries enter this year’s WWCFL title game loaded with talent. Star quarterback Alex Eyolfson is in her prime.

Along with being able to look to Wright and Drew Lundquist to make big plays in the running game, the Valkyries can look to get a boost from a trio of big play receivers in Reed Thorstad, Ricki Obed and Grace McCorriston. Star receiver Haley Girolami has missed the majority of the campaign with a knee injury and is out for Saturday’s game.

The offensive line is anchored by star veterans in Betsy Mawdsley at right tackle, Alex Wojcichowsky at centre, Lauren Ferguson and left guard and Alyssa Funk at left tackle.

Receiver Reed Thorstad (#12) can make big catches in traffic.

Star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale leads the Valkyries defensive unit. Dale’s efforts in the linebacking corps are complimented by Kennedy Mann and Jackie Semple-Dyck. Star defensive end Danaye Holynski also makes a lot of big plays for the Valkyries, while Emry Halbgewachs also brings big pressure from the defensive end spot.

Defensive tackles Carla Stevenson and Michaella Applin are tasked with taking on multiple blocks to occupy players on the opposing offensive line so their teammates can make plays.

Kelsey Murphy, who was a rookie when the Valkyries won the 2014 title, and Danielle Girolami make plays as the veteran presence in the defensive secondary. The Valkyries defensive secondary relies on athletic youngsters like third-year defensive back Makayla Sader, rookie safety Jaimyn Mantyka and Laroque at boundary cornerback.

Barry expects the Rage will be much improved since their pre-season encounter with the Valkyries in April. He is expecting his squad will be in for a physical battle on Saturday.

The Valkyries hope to have a few big play celebrations on Saturday.

“We got to play them in a pre-season game,” said Barry. “We’ll find out how the rest of their season went.

“We think we know a little bit about them. We’ll have to prepare for them. They have some very good athletes on their team, and we’ll have to be ready for them.”

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Quick learner – Valkyries find big time playmaker in Lundquist

Drew Lundquist ran for 137 yards on six carries on Sunday.

Drew Lundquist only needs a handful of opportunities to show how explosive she can be on the football field.

On Sunday afternoon, Lundquist only had six carries playing running back for the Saskatoon Valkyries in a WWCFL regular season game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Lundquist, who is in her second campaign with the team, piled up 137 yards on those six carries scoring touchdowns on runs of 29 and 70 yards.

Her efforts allowed the Valkyries to improve to 3-0 romping past the visiting Winnipeg Wolfpack 59-0. The contest was ended at halftime due to injuries that were piling up on the Wolfpack side, who dressed about 20 players for Sunday’s clash. The Wolfpack fell to 0-3 with the lopsided loss.

Drew Lundquist (#25) breaks out of tackle attempt on a run.

Lundquist was on the Valkyries practice roster in 2021 and used her first full campaign as an active roster player in 2022 as an opportunity to learn and get better. She did have a couple of big outings as the Valkyries won their seventh WWCFL title in team history.

Coming into 2023, Lundquist knew she was going to have more playing time as the number two running back behind star starter Sarah Wright and wanted to be ready to make an impact.

“This year, I definitely wanted to set the intentions of coming in prepared and being ready to play knowing that there aren’t very many running backs,” said Lundquist. “I do have to know my stuff.

“It was learning the playbook early and trying to get those reps in early and definitely training in the off-season trying to get ready. I think I set my intentions early of just trying to be the best I can this season.”

Drew Lundquist reaches the end zone on a 29-yard TD run.

Lundquist wasn’t a stranger to the game of football when she joined the Valkyries. She played one season with the six-man team at Clavet Composite School during her high school years.

“I played soccer growing up,” said Lundquist, who handled all the Valkyries kickoffs on Sunday. “I played junior Huskies soccer.

“Once I stopped playing soccer competitively, kind of as a joke the guys in high school asked me if I would come and kick for them. I thought I would just show up. I did one practice, and they were like, ‘You know what. You are the kicker now.’

“I played one season as the kicker at Clavet Composite School. I got hooked ever since and started on the practice roster with the Valkyries. I haven’t looked back since.”

Drew Lundquist jets downfield on a 70-yard TD run.

Lundquist actually took part in a winter camp and three winter practice sessions with the Valkyries in early 2020 before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic gripped the world causing massive shutdowns in March of that year. While finishing up her Grade 12 studies in 2021, she joined the Valkyries practice roster.

Last season, Lundquist got to try her hand at some kicking duties and was slated to be the number three running back on the depth chart behind Valkyries all-time great Sam Matheson and Wright. Matheson suffered a season ending injury in the team’s second regular season game in 2022, and Lundquist found herself involved in a bit more of the action offensively for the team playing behind Wright.

The Valkyries celebrate a 70-yard TD run by Drew Lundquist (#25).

“It is a little intimidating,” said Lundquist, who stands 5-foot-6. “It is hard to follow in Sam’s steps there just because she is a very, very good athlete and the same with Sarah.

“They are big shoes to fill. I just feel really blessed to be able to watch from them and learn and have them as my guidance.”

The biggest highlight of the campaign was helping the Valkyries down the Manitoba Fearless 36-6 in the WWCFL championship game on June 25, 2022 at Saskatoon Minor Fooball Field.

Makayla Sader, left, and Jackie Semple-Dyck, right, team up on a tackle.

“It was just so much fun,” said Lundquist. “It was an unreal experience.

“It is like nothing else.”

Valkyries head coach Pat Barry said it has been a joy having Lundquist play on the team. Barry said she has really helped the team out with her contributions on offence and the kicking game, and the coaching staff is trying to get her in the game as much as they can.

“It has been great to have her, and we’ve been trying to get her reps,” said Barry. “Every time we get her game reps she does really well just like today.”

Sarah Wright ran in two touchdowns for the Valkyries.

The sideline boss said Lundquist has been able to pick up the game quickly due to the fact she runs with power and speed.

“She runs hard, when she has the ball,” said Barry. “Sometimes, people just try and arm tackle her, and it just doesn’t work.

“She keeps her legs moving. That is why she has so much success.”

The Valkyries as a team had lots of success against the Wolfpack on Sunday building a 49-0 lead in the first quarter before getting up 59-0 at halftime when the contest came to an end.

Just 1:51 into the opening quarter, Valkyries veteran defensive back Kelsey Murphy got the scoring going returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown. Wright romped in from 19 yards out just under two minutes later to push the Valkyries lead out to 14-0.

Alex Eyolfson (#15) threw two touchdown passes for the Valkyries.

Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson hit veteran receiver Reed Thorstad for a short five-yard touchdown reception and Wright tacked on a four-yard run for a major score to give the Valkyries a 28-0 advantage.

Eyolfson hit receiver Grace McCorriston for a 11-yard touchdown toss give the Valkyries a 35-0 lead. The big plays kept coming as veteran receiver Ricki Obed returned a punt 65 yards for a major score to bulge the Valkyries advantage to 42-0. Lundquist tacked on her 29-yard touchdown run to round out the scoring in the first quarter giving the Valkyries an incredible 49-0 advantage.

Grace McCorriston hauls in an 11-yard TD catch for the Valkyries.

In the second quarter, McCorriston booted a 32-yard field goal and Lundquist added her 70-yard rushing touchdown to round out the game’s scoring.

Eyolfson completed all four passes she attempted for 45 yards and her two touchdown tosses. Defensive end Emry Halbgewachs had a sack and a forced fumble for the Valkyries. Safety Jaimyn Mantyka topped the Valkyries with five total tackles to go along with one fumble recovery.

Defensive back Danielle Girolami had an interception and middle linebacker Emmarae Dale had a fumble recovery for Saskatoon.

The Valkyries celebrate a TD catch from Reed Thorstad (#12).

Running back Pandora Turcotte accounted for most of the Wolfpack’s offence running the ball 13 times for 63 yards.

Last year, the Wolfpack forfeited a WWCFL quarter-final contest to the Valkyries on top of not being able play Sunday’s game in its entirety. On an overall league perspective, that didn’t sit well with Barry.

“I think we’ve managed to stay healthy in this abbreviated game, which I’ve never seen before,” said Barry. “I’ve never seen a team forfeit at halftime before in my 33 years of coaching.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. That was unfortunate. I hope there is some talk about it in the league.”

The Valkyries will now close their regular season schedule this coming Sunday as they travel to Regina to take on the Riot (2 p.m., Leibel Field). The Riot improved to 2-1 on Sunday downing the Fearless 33-7 in Regina. The Fearless fell to 1-2 with the setback.

Ricki Obed returns a punt 65 yards for a touchdown.

First place in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference will be up for grabs in the upcoming clash between the Valkyries and Riot. The Valkyries took the first encounter 34-7 on May 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Riot would be able to claim a first place finish, if they are able to be the Valkyries by 27 or more points in the upcoming second head-to-head contest.

“They (the Riot) are going to be ready for us,” said Barry, whose team has won 23 straight games overall. “There are a couple of teams in the league that are quite good, and they’re well coached.

“They’re coming after us. Every time we’re on the field we want to be prepared. We want to try and get as many reps for all our players as possible.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get that today.”

The Valkyries enjoy improving to 3-0 on Sunday.

When the dust does settle on the 2023 season, Lundquist said the Valkyries want to complete things with another championship finish.

“It is the ultimate goal every season is to make it to that championship,” said Lundquist. “We wouldn’t be doing it, if weren’t trying to get there.”

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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WWCFL Final makes a great time to reconnect with Valkyries

Jaime Lammerding, left, and Betsy Mawdsley lead the Valkyries to the field.

The last time the Saskatoon Valkyries won the WWCFL title at home was 2014.

With all that has happened in the world, the feels like an eternity ago.

In 2014, Stephen Harper was the prime minister of Canada and Barack Obama was president of the United States of America. Hit songs from that year included “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX, “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift and “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor.

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Kings claimed the Stanley Cup, the San Antonio Spurs captured the NBA title, the San Francisco Giants got their hands on the World Series and the Calgary Stampeders took home the Grey Cup.

The Valkyries celebrate winning the WWCFL title in 2014.

Beily’s Ultralounge and The Sutherland Bar were jumping night hotspots in the City of Saskatoon. Both of those places no longer exist.

The opportunities to win the WWCFL title at home are rare even for the Saskatoon Valkyries, who have won the league championship six times.

The last time the Valkyries won the WWCFL Championship game at home was on July 5, 2014 in a 53-0 romp over the Lethbridge Steel. That contest was played at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

That was also the farewell game for Valkyries star quarterback Candace Bloomquist. She was named the game’s MVP completing 21-of-30 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

Bloomquist was calling signals for the Valkyries, when they won the WWCFL title the first four times it was contested from 2011 to 2014.

QB Alex Eyolfson and the Valkyries offence has been stellar.

For the 2015 campaign, the Valkyries moved into their new regular home venue in the newly renovated Saskatoon Minor Football Field. On Saturday at 7 p.m., the Valkyries (6-0) host the Manitoba Fearless (5-1) in this year’s WWCFL Championship game at SMF Field.

If you haven’t seen the Valkyries play in some time, Saturday is the perfect time to reconnect with Saskatoon’s elite level women’s football squad that has built a storied history since first hitting the field in 2011.

Since 2014, the Valkyries have won the WWCFL title twice. On June 25, 2016, they romped over the Edmonton Storm 81-6 at University of Lethbridge Community Stadium in Lethbridge, Alta., and on June 29, 2019, the Valkyries downed the host Riot in Regina 25-3 at Mosaic Stadium.

The Valkyries also made it to the WWCFL Championship game on June 24, 2018 falling 14-10 in classic defensive battle to the host Riot in Regina at Mosaic Stadium.

Since 2014, the Valkyries played host to the WWCFL title contest on one occasion leading too this season back on June 10, 2017. The Valkyries didn’t make it to the championship clash that year and a number of players were on hand to watch the Riot hammer the Calgary Rage 53-0 at SMF Field.

Emmarae Dale is one of the Valkyries leaders on defence.

For the longest time, the Valkyries used to draw about 800 to 1,000 spectators to each of their games. With the mainstream media outlets cutting their sports departments in Saskatoon to one or maybe two persons in recent years and the folding of the Saskatoon Metro daily commuter newspaper in late 2014 and the Saskatoon Express weekly in May of 2019, word about how well the Valkyries are doing has been harder to spread.

During the team’s first six seasons of existence from 2011 to 2016, mainstream outlets used to do a number of feature stories on Saskatoon’s women’s football squad that takes the field during the spring season.

The spring season allowed the Valkyries to avoid schedule conflicts with the CJFL and U Sports and the CFL a lot of times. Thanks to the timing of their season, they were able to build interest in their team locally.

This year’s Valkyries squad has been a fun as ever to follow. On the field, they play the game extremely well, and off the field, they are as personable as ever.

They are the perfect bunch for young girls to look up too as role models. The Valkyries players have a great uplifting positive vibe that young girls will come away from interactions with them feeling they can do anything.

Haley Girolami is one of the many Valkyries offensive playmakers.

The offence under the guidance of veteran quarterback Alex Eyolfson, who has been with the team since 2016, might rank with one of the best the Valkyries has ever had. She has numerous playmakers to get the ball out too in running backs Sarah Wright and Drew Lundquist along with receivers Haley Girolami, Reed Thorstad, Ricki Obed and Rachelle Smith.

The Valkyries lost all-time great running back Sam Matheson to a season ending knee injury during their second regular season game in 2022, but she has remained with club lending a hand with coaching her teammates that play her position.

The offensive line is veteran heavy with Lauren Ferguson, Alyssa Funk, Betsy Mawdsley, Ashley Viklund, and Alex Wojcichowsky, and they have played at a super human level all season. Rookie Breanna Allegretto has played well seeing some significant time on the offensive line as an injury replacement, and she has looked like she has played for the Valkyries for a number of years.

On defence, middle linebacker Emmarae Dale might be the unit’s most famous player having played with the historic CJFL powerhouse Saskatoon Hilltops last season. Dale along with third-year linebacker Jamie Wingate kick a bunch of butt on the field and have hearts of gold as persons.

Danaye Holynski brings intensity to the Valkyries defence.

Defensive end Danaye Holynski is arguably the hardest hitter on the Valkyries defence and brings great intensity every game. Second year defensive end Arden Kliewer has taken to the physical aspect of the game too and her sharp focus from playing goal for the University of Regina Cougars Women’s Hockey Team has transferred over to the football field.

The Valkyries have had a number of first and second year players step up and be playmakers as injuries piled up on that side of the ball. Linebacker Sydney Schenn, Grace Farthing on the defensive line and defensive backs Makayla Sader and Jackie Semple-Dyck have ensured the Valkyries defence hasn’t missed a beat.

Saturday’s WWCFL title contest will be the final game for defensive tackle Jaime Lammerding, who has been with the Valkyries since 2011. She has served as president of the WWCFL and has played a huge role in helping women’s football gain traction in Western Canada and move forward.

Defensive back and punter Rienna Rueve returned to the team at first to help with the kicking game with Matheson, who also punts, went down with her knee injury. Besides looking after the punting department, Rueve has returned to her past star form in the defensive secondary.

The Valkyries offensive line has had an outstanding season.

Linebacker Beth Lalonde, who has been with the Valkyries since they started in 2011, hasn’t played this season due to injury but continues to help out the team in any way she can.

The Valkyries again have a stellar coaching staff led by head coach Pat Barry, defensive coordinator Wyatt Carleton and offensive coordinator Caleb Dueck. The Valkyries players constantly make big improvements during practices and film sessions thanks to the outstanding work by the team’s coaches.

Behind the scenes, Valkyries general manager Michelle Duchene ensures all the administration and details off the field are never a worry.

The Valkyries are a group that always makes you feel good.

When adversity comes, you almost know and expect the Valkyries to find a way to persevere. Witnessing those types of storylines play out again brings back memories of their past season and feels right and familiar.

Jaime Lammerding (#21) will play her final game on Saturday.

For residents of Saskatoon, you know that the Valkyries are going to make you feel proud, and the chance to see them win the WWCFL title at home on Saturday is something that is too good to pass up.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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