May 5, 2019 ·
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News
Vixen outlast KC Titans for season sweep
by Jodi Rehlander
Some games come down to a single play, and the Kansas City Titans and the Minnesota Vixen treated fans to a defensive slugfest for the ages on Saturday night at Farmington High School’s Tiger Field.
On paper, the game was a solid matchup between two evenly matched teams on both sides of the ball. Kansas City was determined to turn the tide on a winless season thus far, but Minnesota was equally focused on staying undefeated. In the end, the Vixen would come out on top with a 7-0 final score.
The Titans’ offense looked to set the pace early, slashing through the middle of Minnesota’s defense with a 13-yard run by Iliana Calderon on their first play from scrimmage. The Vixen were able to stop them from getting another first down, however, and after a line-drive punt from Liz Sowers, Minnesota started its first drive on its own 14.
The Vixen also started well, with a plucky 9-yard catch and run from Kaiya Sygulla, but good pass coverage from the Titans and a fumbled snap on subsequent downs meant Minnesota’s first drive would also end in a punt.
And so it went for most of the first two periods, with both teams showing brief flashes of brilliance, but offensive miscues and timely plays from the defense leaving each unable to establish a rhythm and convert good plays into points.
It looked like things might heat up for the Vixen just before halftime when Amanda Atkins had a nifty midfield interception and 28-yard return with less than a minute to go. But KC knocked the ball out of Vixen quarterback Emily Evans’ hands and recovered the ball on the very next play, and the halftime buzzer sounded with the squads in a 0-0 tie.
Minnesota started the second half with the ball, but turned it over on downs. Kansas City got as close as the 19-yard line but a fourth-down shoestring tackle by Caitlin Hill on a scrambling Liz Sowers just before the first-down marker kept the Titans off the board, and the punt-fest continued.
The third-quarter ended with a little momentum for the Vixen, provided by a strong interior run by Jeanie “Tank” Nelson after a facemask penalty on a Kate Murphy reception out in the flats. Minnesota started the fourth quarter with another Tank run up the left side to just inside the Titans’ 20-yard line. Two plays later, Connor Jo Lewis slipped through a backfield tackle and had just enough blocking to the right side to run to the pylon for the game’s first and only score. Katie Muller’s PAT was good and the Vixen led 7-0.
Kansas City made a strong push on the ensuing possession, getting to the Minnesota 30, but an offensive holding penalty and a third-down tackle in the backfield by Cynthia “Red” Bryant stymied their efforts. A dropped pass on fourth-down that would have moved the chains ended the possession.
Each team had one more possession and drove deep into the other’s territory, but the black curtain of the Vixen defense prevailed and Evans sealed the win in victory formation with just over a minute left in the game.
May 1, 2019 ·
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News
It is never easy to get back into the swing of things after a bye week in any level of football. The Women’s Football Alliance is no exception. The Minnesota Vixen look to get back to business against a tough, yet struggling, Kansas City Titans team when the two teams meet this Saturday, May 4, in Farmington.
Prior to the bye week, the rumbling Vixen walloped their rivals, the Wisconsin Dragons. In that game, Tank Nelson upped her yards per carry to an impressive 5.3 yards while taking the ball to the end zone three times. The Vixen continued to show a little difficulty in the passing game, but, thankfully for the Crimson and Black, the running game combined for a staggering five touchdowns.
It was on the other side of the ball that the Vixen showed their true strength. Collectively amassing six interceptions, including two from linebacker Connor Jo Lewis, the defense held the Dragons to a meager six points. It is also worth noting the Vixen blocked one field goal and one extra point. It was truly a spectacular day on defense for the team.
But as it has been a theme for the team this season, there is no time to rest on their laurels. Kansas City is a strong team coached by an effective staff and led by a talented quarterback in Liz Sowers. In watching Kansas City, they seem like a team just on the cusp of greatness this season but have not been able to find the right moments to shine. Perhaps this is the game for the Titans to do so, and what better way to re-ignite their fires and bounce back for the season with a road win against the Minnesota Vixen, the team that dealt them their first loss of the year?
“I have a lot of respect for the Titans, I always have” says Vixen wide receiver coach Jake Potter. “They always are a tough team to face and I look forward to seeing what they have changed since we last saw them.”
In an effort to continue to evolve and adapt to the changing league, Vixen head coach Ryan McCauley has made a few changes to his game plan that will hopefully capitalize on the extremely strong skills of the Vixen offensive line.
“It takes an extreme amount of confidence or an unhealthy dose of foolishness to not add depth to your offensive or defensive abilities during a season–especially if you see the same team a few times in a year,” says Coach Potter.
No matter what happens, it is going to be a gorgeous day for football this Saturday. Kickoff is at 6PM at Farmington High School. Please consider donating to our charity partner, Free Wheelchair Mission – https://www.classy.org/give/233441/#!/donation/checkout. And as an added treat, in celebration of “Star Wars Day” the 501st Legion will be in attendance for photos with fans! Come watch some great football and get pictures taken with your favorite “Star Wars” characters!
April 30, 2019 ·
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News
Entering their twenty-first season, the Minnesota Vixen are blazing trails in all they do. While being the first women’s tackle football team to secure broadcasting for their home and away games, they are proud to announce Kelly Schultz will be joining the voice of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, Shawn Parker, as a color commentator for the Vixen home game broadcasts starting on May 4th when the Vixen have their rubber match against the Titans of Kansas City.
Kelly Schultz is a near twenty year veteran of radio broadcasting. For the past eleven years, Kelly has been the play-by-play announcer for Bemidji State University women’s college hockey on the Beaver Radio Network. She had the absolute privilege of being the home game play-by-play announcer for the champion Minnesota Whitecaps of the National Women’s Hockey League.
The Vixen are very excited to have Kelly call their home games with Shawn Parker on Town Square Television.
April 21, 2019 ·
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News
Minnesota Vixen win 21st season home opener
By Jodi Rehlander
It was a beautiful spring night in the Midwest, but winter came for the Wisconsin Dragons (1-1) in the form of a 35-6 loss at the hands of the Minnesota Vixen (2-0) in Women’s Football Alliance action on Saturday night at Kuhlman Field in Edina.
Minnesota was celebrating their 21st season home opener, and it came with a brush with celebrity as Minnesota Lynx head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve performed the pregame coin toss. The Vixen have worked hard on increasing their public profile and awareness, and Reeve’s presence helped attract two of the Twin Cities’ main television networks to the game.
After all the hoopla, the Vixen, who struggled early against Kansas City two weeks ago, again had a bit of a rocky start, turning the ball over on their first two possessions. But they found their footing by the end of the first quarter and capped a solid drive with a dogged 1-yard plunge into the end zone by Jeanie “Tank” Nelson.
The Vixen racked up another score in the second quarter when Nelson used a pair of bruising stiffarms to keep the Dragons at bay on a 26-yard run. Minnesota led 14-0 at the half.
Connor Jo Lewis won a third-quarter race to the pylon, Nelson scored again, and Bella McGrath tiptoed down the left sideline to round out the day for Minnesota.
Wisconsin’s only score of the night came two plays into the fourth quarter on a well-executed pass route through the heart of the Vixen defense. But that was one of few bright spots for the Dragons offense, which was picked off six times by Amanda Atkins, Erin Tilford, Caitlin Hill, Ashley Green and Lewis, who had two. The Vixen also blocked a field goal and a PAT during the game.
The two teams will meet twice more during the regular season.
Next up for Minnesota is their second and final bye week. After that they host a rematch with the Kansas City Titans at Farmington High School on Saturday, May 4.
April 17, 2019 ·
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The Vixen are preparing for the first of three regular season meetings scheduled between their Midwest Region rival, the Wisconsin Dragons. The Dragons have started their second season off with a win over the Columbus Vanguards (29-26). Hailing from the Milwaukee area, the Dragons seek to knock the Vixen down a peg after the Vixen’s 17 to 13 road win over the Kansas City Titans. To pull off a win would be a big deal for the young Dragons franchise. Last season, the Vixen dominated the series with them by winning both regular season games and a playoff meeting in Inver Grove Heights.
“It will be a test for our offensive line,” Vixen head coach Ryan McCauley says. “Like Kansas CIty, [the Dragons] like to bring pressure.”
“Our O-line is definitely up for the challenge,” says Vixen line coach Michele Braun.
Look for the Vixen o-line, led by center and 2019 captain Maria Beck (97) to open running lanes for veteran All-American running back Jeanie “Tank” Nelson. In her last game, Tank carried the ball thirty times for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Emily Evans will look to continue to supplement McCauley’s ground game by throwing to her young receiver corp.
“I believe [the Dragons] have some good athletes that will challenge us and bring out the best in the defense,” says Vixen defensive coordinator RJ Speidel. The Vixen had learned some tough lessons at the hands of the KC Titans and will use them to patch the holes in the defense. Expect big plays out of rookie linebacker Cil Winton, who currently leads the team in tackles. The Vixen defensive line led by Cynthia “Red’ Bryant should have a ton of fun stopping the run and making the Dragons work for each yard gained.
No matter the weather, both teams will be prepared for a fight. This rivalry is just heating up. You can come see the action at Kuhlman Field in Edina, Minnesota at 6PM on Saturday, April 20th. Tickets are on sale now on CityPagesTix.com. If you cannot attend the game live, be sure to tune in on Town Square Television or MNVixen.com.
April 4, 2019 ·
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Minnesota Vixen to Open Their 2019 Season in Kansas City
The Minnesota Vixen had a truly magical 2018 season in the Women’s Football Alliance. The team finished with a regular season record of seven wins and a single loss and capped it with a trip to the WFA Division II National Championship game against the New York Sharks. Unfortunately, the high powered offense and hard hitting defense of the Vixen fell by six points in what many would consider to be the best game of championship weekend.
But that was last year, and things that happened yesterday should be remembered then moved on from.
It is a new year, and the Vixen have been quite busy with their time off. With a mostly new coaching staff and a large group of rookie players, it would be easy to write off 2019 as a “rebuilding year” for the longest continuously running women’s tackle football team in the nation, but that is not the attitude around the team. Since the strength and conditioning camp prior to Christmas, the players and coaches of the Vixen have had the loss on their mind and are fully prepared to do the work to get back to the top of Division II of the WFA.
With his youthful exuberance and patient demeanor, Head Coach Ryan McCauley has brought an offensive scheme to the Vixen that will test defenses around the league. The Vixen defense will be coordinated by RJ Speidel. The only returning coaches from the 2018 season are Jason Cornelison (Defensive Backs), Bruce Brevitz (Offensive Line), Laura Brown (Defensive Line), and Jake Potter (Wide Receivers). Joining the staff are Shaun Mattson (Quarterbacks), Matt O’Keefe (Running Backs), and three former Vixen players: Michele Braun (Offensive Line), Jessica Giesemann (Linebackers), and Emilie Sundberg (Wide Receivers). The staff has really come together and gotten the team on the same page.
“The players have really bought in,” says O-line coach Bruce Brevitz. With returning offensive leaders Emily Evans, Jeanie“Tank” Nelson, and Maria Beck on the offense and Jodi Rehlander, Cynthia “Red” Bryant, and Anne Theissen on the defense, there are high expectations for this Vixen team.
While there is a big influx of rookie players, there is no shortage of athletic talent and heart. One could say the rookies are “young, scrappy, and hungry and not throwing away [their] shot” in the words of “Hamilton’s” Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Vixen rookies have had a lot to learn but have risen to the challenge put forth by Coach McCauley and his staff. Look for players, both rookie and veteran alike, to make big, impactful plays for the Vixen this season.
This Saturday, April 6th, the Vixen head back to Kansas City to face the only team to hand them a regular season loss in 2018. There is no love lost between the Vixen and the Titans, as they have faced one another five times in two years. The Vixen look to resume their winning way while the Titans look to rebound from their loss in the 2018 WFA Division I Playoffs.
For those wishing to attend, the game will be at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri and will have a 7PM Central Time kick off. The game will also be broadcast live on Town Square Television and on the Vixen’s website, MNVixen.com.
March 25, 2019 ·
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The Minnesota Vixen begin their 21st season of play this year. Last season, the Vixen finished 9-2 with only one regular season loss and the other in the WFA Division II Championship Game. With a new group of players and coaches including first time head coach Ryan McCauley, the Vixen look to expand on 6 seasons with winning records and 7 of the last 10 which also include three division and two conference titles in that time. Will this be the year that the Vixen bring the state of Minnesota a championship? Here is what is in store for the 2019 season.
The teams the Vixen(Div II) play this year had the following WFA records in their 2018 seasons.
- Kansas City Titans (Div I) 8-2. Will be played twice. In 2018 Vixen split the season with Kansas City with each team winning on their home field. All time Vixen hold a 4-1 advantage.
- Wisconsin Dragons (Div II) 4-4. Will be played three times. In 2018 Vixen won both regular season games and also the second round playoff game. Vixen lead all time 3-0.
- St Louis Slam (Div II). Did not play in 2018. All time the Slam lead the series 0-1.
- Iowa Phoenix (Div III). Will be played twice. 2019 is the inaugural season for the Phoenix.
- Lifetime the Vixen lead their 2019 opponents 7-2.
2019 teams in the WFA DIV II American Conference and their 2018 records
- Minnesota Vixen (MidWest Region) 9-2.
- Mile High Blaze (Pacific Region) 7-3.
- Seattle Spartans (Pacific Region) 6-3. Used to be the Everett Reign.
- Houston Energy MidWest Region) 4-1. Played in IWFL in 2018.
- Wisconsin Dragons MidWest Region) 4-4.
- Tacoma Trauma (Pacific Region) 1-6.
- St Louis Slam (MidWest Region). Did not play in 2018.
Last season there were only two teams in the MidWest Division which made an easier path for the Vixen in the play-offs. This season with four teams the Vixen will need to play hard in order for the path to Golden, CO to come through Minnesota. Based on scheduling only the top two teams of each region will make the playoffs before the American Conference Championship game between the best in the Midwest and the best in the Pacific regions.
Keep up to date by following the Minnesota Vixen on social media.
By Brian Sweeney. You can follow Brian ‘Announcer Guy’ Sweeney across all social media @mnannouncerguy.
March 1, 2019 ·
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Only 1 week until Minnesota Vixen owner and Coach Laura Brown will be participating in the IFAF Nordic American Football Camp for Girls in Malmo, Sweden. Now in its third year, this interactive camp brings American football to girls ages 12 to 18 from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway.
Brown was invited by the U.S. Embassy as part of the embassy’s efforts to enhance the understanding of American society and values in Sweden. Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever strengthening relations between the United States and Sweden. Brown states “sports foster a mutual understanding between people with different backgrounds and can bridge the gap, plus allow for engagement”.
Besides involvement with the camp while in Sweden, the embassy will have Brown connect with two additional groups, Sports without Borders and the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden. Sports without Borders is an NGO whose goal is to utilize sports as a means for young people to be empowered in their own lives. Brown will be speaking with students and teachers introducing them to American football and how American football can help them accomplish their goals in life.
Additionally, Brown will visit the American Chamber of Commerce. As the voice of American business in Sweden, the chamber is enthusiastic about hearing Brown speak on her challenges on changing perceptions critical to success – both internally and externally as a leader of a unique business.
Brown is excited to not only be working with the youth but to be utilizing sport and her experiences to engage others. “It is a great opportunity to connect with others and have a shared experience” Brown states. “Through these types of experiences, we can grow together”.
Established in 1999, the Minnesota Vixen are the longest continuously operating women’s American football team in the world. Based in the Twin Cities, the Vixen are a member of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) and compete with over 60 teams across the nation. Brown is on the WFA’s Board of Representatives and has been the owner/operator of the Minnesota Vixen for the last five seasons where twice they have appeared in national championship title games. With unprecedented growth, the Vixen are not only the pioneers of women’s football but also leading the future of the sport.
June 25, 2018 ·
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News
Game date: June 30, 2018 @ Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
In their third meeting of the 2018 season, the Minnesota Vixen (7-1, 3-0 Division 2) and the Wisconsin Dragons (5-3, 0-2 Division 2) will battle for the right to advance in the Women’s Football Alliance national playoffs.
While the Vixen won handily in the teams’ two regular-season contests, wide receivers coach Jake Potter knows the Dragons will do their best to get a different outcome on Saturday. “There is nothing more dangerous than a team with nothing to lose,” Potter said. “They’re fighters, and they want to make a statement by beating us.”
Minnesota hopes to make a statement of its own and continue its dominance of the feisty Wisconsin team. So far this year, the Vixen have held the Dragons to six total points while racking up 88 points on offense. In fact, almost one-third of Minnesota’s total offensive yardage has come against the Dragons.
As usual, the Vixen will depend on a punishing ground game from Grace Cooper and Jeanette “Tank” Nelson to lead the way, and quarterback Kiersten Hansen will have regular targets Sam Barber and Rae Uhrich available in the air attack. Both Cooper and Nelson had 100-plus yard games in the prior two games this year.
The Dragons have had some success against the Vixen using heavy pressure up front on defense, but so far have been unable to put together an extended drive against Minnesota’s defense, which ended the season tied for first in Division 2 in total points allowed. Rookie defensive end Chelsy Swanson was especially troublesome for Wisconsin in the early June matchup, turning in three sacks and seven tackles.
The winner of Saturday’s game advances to the American Conference final on July 14 against either the San Diego Rebellion or the Mile High Blaze. If the Dragons win, they will be the lower seed and head out west; the Vixen, who earned the top overall seed in Division 2, will host the July game if they win.
Also, all players and coaches for the 20 years of the team’s existence have been invited to attend Saturday’s game and will be honored during an alumni recognition ceremony at halftime.
The Vixen will post live updates on Twitter during their away games, and for the fourth year in a row, Town Square Television will broadcast home games live on local cable access channels and streaming online.
Website: www.mnvixen.com
Facebook: Minnesota Vixen Women’s Football
Twitter: @MinnVixen
Live stream and replay of home games: Town Square Television
June 8, 2018 ·
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Game date: June 8, 2018 @ Truman High School, Independence, MO
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Central Time
The Kansas City Titans (6-1, 2-0 Division 1) are all that stand in the way of an 8-0 regular season for the Minnesota Vixen (7-0, 3-0 Division 2). Both teams are preparing for a fight to the finish in Saturday’s Women’s Football Alliance contest, with the Titans hoping to avenge a loss on the road to the Vixen in April.
“The Titans certainly live up to their name,” said wide receivers coach Jake Potter. “But they haven’t forgotten us and what we can do. We need to respect them and do what we do best.”
A victory would give Minnesota their second perfect regular season since Head Coach Laura Brown and her husband James became team owners. It would also preserve home-field advantage for the Vixen in the playoffs.
Vixen running backs Grace Cooper and Jeanette “Tank” Nelson will look to use their dynamic blend of power and speed to keep the offense rolling. Minnesota put up nearly 600 yards of total offense in the June 2 game against the Wisconsin Dragons, with 163 yards through the air from Kiersten Hansen to five different targets, including wide receiver standouts Sam Barber and rookie Rae Uhrich.
Minnesota’s defense is ranked at the top of Division 2, having shut out three different opponents thus far. The Titans defense is holding teams to an average of 8.9 points per game, and their offense is averaging 45.7 points and 307 yards per game going into this weekend.
The Vixen will post live updates on ScoreStream during their away games, and for the fourth year in a row Town Square Television will broadcast home games live on local cable access channels and streaming online.
Website: www.mnvixen.com
Facebook: Minnesota Vixen Women’s Football
Twitter: @MinnVixen (live updates during all games)
Live stream and replay of home games: Town Square Television
