Image courtesy of Boston Renegades
It wasn’t always pretty at times for the 2023 Renegades relative to the success the franchise has had the last five years, but it doesn’t matter now.
With a 55-20 blowout of the D.C. Divas at Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere on Saturday night, Boston finished the regular season at 4-2, second behind the 6-0 Pittsburgh Passion in the National division.
The five-time defending WFA champs will host D.C. in the semifinals (June 29th) with a trip to the conference title game on the line scheduled for July 13th. The Pro championship will be played at Tom Benson Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 27th and air live on ESPN 2.
On Saturday, Boston raced out to a 28-0 lead after one and never looked back, bouncing back from the second loss of the season a week before against Pittsburgh.
Megan McFadden threw for 204 yards, a TD and a pick. The run game was dominant again with Ruth Matta racking up 118 yards on 21 carries with three TD’s. Steph Pascual had a heck of a performance too, rushing for two TD’s on eight carries while also catching 10 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Latoya Saulters and Katie Falkowski also added rushing touchdowns. Kyshani Dummott had six catches for 54 yards.
“Within my teammates and my coaches just having the trust in me,” McFadden said when asked where her confidence is coming from after being given the unenviable task of being the next QB after legend Allison Cahill this season. “It’s been there from the beginning, no matter how many setbacks there were. There was a specific drive where there was penalties, there was setbacks, but we still fought through that adversity and crossed that goal line.
“Just giving each other the energy on the field. We believe in and have confidence in each person on that field.”
As a team, the Renegades put up 417 total yards, went 10-13 (77%) on third down and forced four turnovers (all fumbles). Maggie Barden added five extra points. Danielle Fournier, Erica Adams, Spring Gamble and Lisa Swanson had the fumble recoveries.
“We’ve been fighting for each other and I think the main focus today was everyone do their assignment,” said linebacker Darcy Leslie. “Forget about what everyone else is doing. Just do your job, do it great and we’re going to be successful. I feel like myself and my teammates came out there and did that. We played four quarters of football which we’ve been struggling to do as well.
“It was fun to watch so many different athletes step up and shine for our team.”
Now, with some time to hit the reset button before another playoff push begins and the quest for a ridiculous sixth straight title officially begins, the Renegades will be laser focused on themselves first and foremost.
“Do your job, watch film, just be great,” Leslie added. “Trust your sisters. We’re all playing for each other. We’re playing for ourselves, but also each other, this team, the organization and our legacy. We want to make sure in July we’re the ones in Canton.”