The Boston Renegades defeated the Minnesota Vixen, 32–12, in the 2022 Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) Pro National Championship. The Renegades’ victory extends their record for championship wins to seven—including three titles as the Boston Militia.
Boston reached the final after a 42–24 victory over the Pittsburgh Passion in the National Conference Final. They matched up with Minnesota for the second consecutive year after the Vixen topped the Cali War in the American Conference Final, 36–30.
First quarter
The Renegades got the scoring underway in the first quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Boston moved up the field relatively quickly in the game’s first four minutes. Eventually, the team found themselves at first down and goal. That’s when Finnish running back Tytti Kuusinen found space on the left side of the field and carried the ball to the endzone. Then, kicker Sarah Tully converted the extra point to make it 7–0.
Minnesota showed some offensive momentum as the quarter progressed. But the scoreline remained 7–0 as the first quarter ended.
Second quarter
The Boston defense got the second quarter off to an exciting start. With Minnesota going for it on fourth down, Renegades defensive back Megan McFadden expertly read the pass and intercepted the ball. The turnover led to an impressive Boston scoring drive, topped off by a thrilling 39-yard touchdown run by quarterback Chanté Bonds. Tully again sent the ball through the uprights for a 14–0 lead.
During Minnesota’s subsequent time on offense, Boston maintained their defensive pressure and forced the Vixen to punt the ball. Renegades linebacker Shannon Singletary returned the punt to Minnesota’s 31-yard line.
In the next play, English runningback Ruth Matta charged the ball down the left sideline for 30 yards, with the help of a strong block by wide receiver Adrienne Smith. Matta then finished the drive with a swift route into the endzone for a 20–0 lead after Tully missed the extra point.
Third quarter
Neither side found the endzone in the third quarter. But Minnesota worked their way down the field in a textbook drive that included four first downs. Despite reaching the 5-yard line, the Vixen were held back by the Renegades—ending the quarter in a fourth-down situation.
Fourth quarter
When play resumed, Minnesota secured the first down through wide receiver Kaiya Sygulla. But a Vixen false start in the next play forced the ball back five yards, and Minnesota could not capitalize on the drive’s following downs.
Back in possession, Boston played things safe by keeping the ball on the ground. Running backs Katie Falkowski and Kuusinen helped push the team up the field before Falkowski eventually found the endzone. Despite kicker Allie Guimaraes missing the extra point, Boston led with four unanswered touchdowns—making it a busy shift for Boston’s militiamen.
With the threat of a shutout looming over Minnesota, things started to click for the Vixen. Their next possession saw quarterback Erin Kelley successfully target wide receiver Sam Barber. The Wisconsin native ran 35 yards up the middle to get the Vixen deep into the opposition’s half.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, the next series of plays took nearly two minutes off the clock. But the Vixen found the endzone after Kelley sent a quick pass to Sygulla, who stiff-armed her way around the Boston defense for the touchdown. A two-point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 26–6.
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The Renegades made the most of their next possession. Keeping the running play going, Boston made several short plays up the field before Bonds made her second touchdown run of the day.
Minnesota blocked and picked Boston’s fifth extra point attempt. Defensive line player Jaimi Salone powered through Boston’s special teams squad before being taken down several yards later.
The excitement for Minnesota didn’t end there. Despite not having enough time left for a comeback, the Vixen drove back into scoring position with a series of passes. Rookie wide receiver Jackie Radford brought the ball into the endzone, and the game ended 32–12 in favor of Boston.
Looking ahead
Boston Renegade quarterback Chanté Bonds was the game’s MVP after scoring two rushing touchdowns. Next up, Bonds will feature for the US National Women’s Tackle Football Team at the 2022 Women’s World Championship in Finland.
Eight teams will compete in this year’s international competition from July 28–August 8. Other players from the WFA Pro National Championship game expected to compete at the World Championship include Finland’s Tytti Kuusinen and Jonna Tuovinen.
