Boston Renegades (WFA)

Last updated

Boston Renegades
Boston Renegades WFA team logo.jpg
Founded2015
League WFA (2015–2025)
Team historyBoston Renegades (2015–2025)
Boston Militia (2008–2014)
Bay State Warriors/Boston Rampage (2002–2007)
Massachusetts Mutiny (2001–2007)
Based in Revere, Massachusetts
StadiumHarry Della Russo Stadium
Colorsred, black, white
OwnerMolly Goodwin
Head coachJohn Johnson
General managerBen Brown
Championships5 (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Conference titles7 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Division titles7 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Website bostonrenegadesfootball.org

The Boston Renegades were a tackle football team in the Women's Football Alliance. The Renegades played their home games at Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere, Massachusetts.

Contents

Formation

On January 5, 2015, three-time national women's tackle football champions the Boston Militia announced they were discontinuing operations. [1] [2] To ensure that women's football would continue in Boston, three former players secured a transfer of ownership of the team from Militia president Ernie Boch, Jr. Molly Goodwin, Mia Brickhouse, and Erin Baumgartner incorporated as Boston Women's Football, LLC, and reorganized the team under the name Boston Renegades. [3] [4]

Season-by-season

Season records
SeasonWLTFinishPlayoff results
Boston Renegades (WFA)
20153201st New England DivisionWon National Conference Quarterfinal (West Michigan)
Lost National Conference Semifinal (Chicago)
20165303rd National Conference (Tier 1) [5] Won National Conference Quarterfinal (Cleveland)
Won National Conference Semifinal (Chicago)
Lost National Conference Final (D.C.)
20177001st National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Semifinal (D.C.)
Won National Conference Final (Chicago)
Lost WFA National Championship (Dallas)
20186203rd National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Semifinal (Pittsburgh)
Won National Conference Final (D.C.)
Won WFA National Championship (Los Angeles)
20198001st National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Final (D.C.)
Won WFA National Championship (Los Angeles)
2020000 Season cancelled due to global pandemic.
20215001st National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Final (Tampa Bay)
Won WFA National Championship (Minnesota)
20226001st National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Semifinal (D.C.)
Won National Conference Final (Pittsburgh)
Won WFA National Championship (Minnesota)
20236001st National Conference (Tier 1)Won National Conference Semifinal (D.C.)
Won National Conference Final (Alabama)
Won WFA National Championship (St. Louis)
Totals64100(including playoffs)

2015

Recap

The new Renegades organization turned to former Boston Militia assistant coach Don Williams to lead the team as head coach in its inaugural season. Former Militia assistant coaches Michael Muccio and Brie-El Parker stepped into the coordinator positions, and the coaching staff was rounded out with both experienced and new coaches. Notably, former players Molly Goodwin and Jennifer "Coco" Edwards joined the defensive staff as rookie coaches. During the course of the season, the team added former New England Intensity Head Coach Johnny Johnson and former New England Patriots player Patrick Pass as assistant coaches.

Geographically isolated from other teams in the Northeast Region of the Women's Football Alliance (WFA), the Renegades were alone in the New England Division, [6] and played only five scheduled regular season games instead of the customary eight. [7] A sixth game, an interleague match with Independent Women's Football League (IWFL) team the Montreal Blitz, had been cancelled. [8]

The Boston Renegades opened their inaugural season on April 18, 2015, with a home win against the Central Maryland Seahawks 57–0. [4] The Renegades finished with a 3–2 regular-season record. In the WFA National Conference quarterfinals, Boston defeated the West Michigan Mayhem 59–12 at Dilboy Stadium. Then the Renegades hosted a Conference semifinal game against the Chicago Force, but lost 49–18.

Standings

2015 WFA New England Division
WLTPCTPFPADIVGBSTK
y,z - Boston Renegades 320.6001661320-0---L1

y - clinched division title
z - clinched playoff berth

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 18 Central Maryland Seahawks HomeWon 36–32
May 2 D.C. Divas HomeLost 32–27
May 16 Cleveland Fusion AwayWon 24–20
May 30 Chicago Force AwayWon 30–24
June 13 D.C. Divas AwayLost 56–28
June 27 West Michigan Mayhem (National Conference Quarterfinal)HomeWon 59–12
July 11 Chicago Force (National Conference Semifinal)HomeLost 49–18

2016

Recap

Following a season as an assistant coach, John Johnson was appointed head coach of the Renegades. Patrick Pass stepped into the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach positions. Former Boston Militia coach Vernon Crawford returned after a season away to serve as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. 2015 kicking coach Cliff Ashley was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator. The Renegades added several new coaches, including former Massachusetts Mutiny and Boston Militia player Susan Burtoft.

The Renegades were assigned to the Colonial Division along with the D.C. Divas, Keystone Assault, Philadelphia Phantomz, and Richmond Black Widows. But the deployment this season of a tiered playoff system with seeding determined solely by Massey Ratings made geographical assignments as such irrelevant. [9] More meaningful was Boston's inclusion in the top tier of the league, known as Division I or WFA1, where they would compete with D.C., the Chicago Force, Pittsburgh Passion, Atlanta Phoenix, and Cleveland Fusion on the conference level. The proximity of the Philadelphia Phantomz, however, enabled the Renegades to play a customary eight-game schedule by adding home and away dates with the new Division II team.

With a 51–32 victory over Pittsburgh on May 17, Renegades quarterback Allison Cahill reached a new milestone in sports by becoming the first quarterback to attain 100 victories playing exclusively in women's football leagues. [10]

The Renegades finished with a 5–3 regular-season record, and claimed the third seed in the WFA National Conference playoff bracket. In the conference quarterfinals, Boston defeated the Cleveland Fusion 19–13 at Dilboy Stadium. The Renegades traveled for their conference semifinal match, upsetting the Chicago Force 17–13. [11] Boston was unable to overcome the D.C. Divas in the conference final.

Standings

2016 WFA Division 1 — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
12x,y - D.C. Divas 710.8753661501W7
23x,y - Chicago Force 710.8754321063W3
35x - Boston Renegades 530.6252732422L2
46x,y - Pittsburgh Passion 620.7503581228L1
513x,y - Atlanta Phoenix 530.62529613615W1
616x - Cleveland Fusion 440.50018114911W3

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 2 Philadelphia Phantomz AwayWon 40–25
April 9 Cleveland Fusion AwayWon 28–7
April 16 D.C. Divas HomeLost 35–32
April 30 Philadelphia Phantomz HomeWon 54–12
May 7 Cleveland Fusion HomeWon 47–18
May 14 Pittsburgh Passion AwayWon 51–32
May 21 Chicago Force HomeLost 58–14
June 4 D.C. Divas AwayLost 55–7
June 11 Cleveland Fusion (National Conference Quarterfinal)HomeWon 19–13
June 25 Chicago Force (National Conference Semifinal)AwayWon 17–13
July 9 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final)AwayLost 47–21

2017

Recap

John Johnson continued to lead the Renegades as head coach while also taking over defensive coordinator responsibilities. Vernon Crawford and Cliff Ashley continued in their established roles as offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator, respectively. The Renegades changed their venue to James R. O'Connor Stadium at Catholic Memorial School in Boston. [12]

Boston continued to compete in the highest tier of the league, WFA1. Like 2016, the Renegades were assigned to the nominal "Colonial Division" in the Northeast Region of the National Conference. An influx of new teams to the region added new competition in Boston's schedule from the Montreal Blitz who joined the WFA from the IWFL.

Four players — Steph Jeffers, Vicky Eddy, Adrienne Smith, and Rese Woodfine — were named to the U.S. Women's National Football Team. Jeffers and Eddy, along with former player Emily Weinberg, played in the 2017 IFAF Women's World Championship tournament in Canada, and won the gold medal. [13]

The Renegades finished the regular season undefeated with a 7–0 record, and claimed the top seed in the WFA National Conference playoff bracket, securing home field advantage. Following a bye in the quarterfinals, Boston defeated the D.C. Divas 27–24 in the conference semifinal. The Renegades then defeated the visiting Chicago Force 47–33 in the conference title game. The final score of the 2017 WFA National Championship, named The W Bowl II, was Dallas Elite 31, Boston Renegades 21.

Standings

2017 WFA Division 1 — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
11x,y Boston Renegades 7001.0002321231W7
22x,y Chicago Force 710.875285664W1
33x,y Pittsburgh Passion 620.7503201453W1
44x D.C. Divas 530.6252021622W3
57x Cleveland Fusion 530.6252051057W1
612x Atlanta Phoenix 620.75035212722L1

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 8 Philadelphia Phantomz AwayWon 41–6
April 22 D.C. Divas AwayWon 26–22
April 29 Montreal Blitz HomeWon 54–19
May 6 D.C. Divas HomeWon 26–0
May 13 Pittsburgh Passion HomeWon 33–28
May 20 Chicago Force AwayWon 25–24
June 3 Philadelphia Phantomz HomeWon 27–24
June 17 D.C. Divas (National Conference Semifinal)HomeWon 27–24
July 8 Chicago Force (National Conference Final)HomeWon 47–33
July 22 Dallas Elite (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Pittsburgh, Pa.)Lost 31–21

2018

Recap

John Johnson continued to lead the Renegades as head coach and defensive coordinator. Vernon Crawford and Cliff Ashley also continued in their established roles respectively as assistant head coach/offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator. The Renegades changed their venue to Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere, Massachusetts.

Boston continued to compete in the highest tier of the league, WFA1. The Renegades competed in the Northeast Region of the National Conference with the D.C. Divas and the Pittsburgh Passion. The 2018 schedule included the Philadelphia Phantomz, the New York Sharks and the Baltimore Nighthawks. Boston had not faced the Sharks since 2013 [14] or the Nighthawks since 2009. [15]

The Renegades finished the regular season with a 6–2 record, and claimed the #3 seed in the WFA National Conference playoff bracket. Boston upset the #2 ranked Pittsburgh Passion 63–26 in the conference semifinal, and the #1 ranked D.C. Divas 34–32 in the conference title game. Boston defeated the Los Angeles Warriors in the league championship game 42–18 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Renegades became the first team since 2006 (Atlanta Xplosion, IWFL) to capture a Division I national title by winning three consecutive games away from home. They also became the first team since 2007 (So Cal Scorpions, WPFL) to win a Division I national title despite having two losses on their season record. [16]

Standings

2018 WFA Division 1 — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
11x,y D.C. Divas 620.7502721192W5
22x Pittsburgh Passion 710.8753211113W1
33x Boston Renegades 620.7502391101W2
47x Atlanta Phoenix 610.857162266W5

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 7 Philadelphia Phantomz AwayWon 21–12
April 14 D.C. Divas HomeWon 21–14
April 21 Pittsburgh Passion AwayLost 41–44
April 28 Cleveland Fusion HomeWon by forfeit
May 12 New York Sharks AwayWon 21–0
May 19 D.C. Divas AwayLost 35–40
June 2 Baltimore Nighthawks HomeWon 42–0
June 9 Philadelphia Phantomz HomeWon 56–0
June 30 Pittsburgh Passion (National Conference Semifinal)AwayWon 63–26
July 14 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final)AwayWon 34–32
July 28 Los Angeles Warriors (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Atlanta, Ga.)Won 42–18

2019

Recap

John Johnson, Vernon Crawford, and Cliff Ashley continued in their established roles respectively as head coach/defensive coordinator, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator.

Boston continued to compete in the highest tier of the league, WFA1. The Renegades competed in the Northeast Region of the National Conference with the D.C. Divas, and the 2019 schedule included the Baltimore Nighthawks, Philadelphia Phantomz, New York Wolves, and the Tampa Bay Inferno.

The Renegades finished the regular season with a 8–0 record, claiming the #1 seed in the WFA National Conference playoff bracket. Boston drubbed their rival the D.C. Divas 66–20 in the conference title game, then went on to defeat the Cali War, capturing their second consecutive national title. The National Championship game was held on July 13 at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

Standings

2019 WFA Division 1 — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
11x,y Boston Renegades 8001.0004901042W8
23x D.C. Divas 620.7503952161L1

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 6 Tampa Bay Inferno AwayWon 61–7
April 13 New York Wolves HomeWon 68–14
April 27 D.C. Divas AwayWon 37–32
May 4 New York Wolves AwayWon 40–13
May 18 Baltimore Nighthawks HomeWon 68–0
June 1 Philadelphia Phantomz HomeWon 91–0
June 8 Baltimore Nighthawks AwayWon 63–6
June 15 D.C. Divas HomeWon 62–32
June 29 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final)HomeWon 66–20
July 13 Cali War (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Golden, Co.)Won 52–24

2020

Recap

The 2020 season of the Women's Football Alliance was cancelled in its entirety due to health and safety concerns in regards to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. [17] Although regular season games were scheduled, none were played. The Renegades were able to participate in a preseason practice and scrimmage with the Baltimore Nighthawks before social distancing practices were adopted nationally to combat the spread of COVID-19.

On July 1, a film documenting the 2018 season of the Boston Renegades, "Born To Play" was aired nationally on ESPN. It was aired internationally on ABC Network on July 18. The film, directed by Viridiana Lieberman and produced by Park Pictures, received widespread critical acclaim. [18]

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 11 New York Wolves AwayNot played
April 18 D.C. Divas AwayNot played
April 25 Minnesota Vixen HomeNot played
May 2 Detroit Dark Angels HomeNot played
May 9 Cleveland Fusion AwayNot played
May 16 D.C. Divas HomeNot played
May 30 St. Louis Slam AwayNot played
June 6 New York Wolves HomeNot played

2021

Recap

Renegades celebrate their champion season with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Charlie Baker and Boston Renegades (E9BHLKyXMAAb5Sb).jpg
Renegades celebrate their champion season with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker

After the 2020 season was cancelled due to a global pandemic, the Women's Football Alliance returned to play in 2021 with a shortened season. The Renegades played a five-game regular season instead of the customary eight. Boston finished the regular season undefeated. They defeated the Tampa Bay Inferno in the conference championship and then won the national championship game 42–26 over the Minnesota Vixen. By doing so, the Renegades became the first team in WFA history to complete a "threepeat," which is winning a championship three years in a row. [19] Quarterback Allison Cahill was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Cahill's autographed game jersey and a game ball signed by the team were curated by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [19]

Cahill was also named the National Conference Most Valuable Player of the Year for the fourth time in her career. She became the first Quarterback lead a women's tackle football team to 6 national titles (2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021), surpassing the mark of five set by Kim Grodus of the Detroit Demolition (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). Defensive End Danielle Fournier was named National Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

The Renegades were surprised by NFL team owner Robert Kraft who offered to have the team flown to the WFA National Championship Game aboard the New England Patriots team plane. [20] [21] The event went viral on social media, providing exposure and publicity to the team and the sport of women's tackle football.

"Born To Play," a film documenting the 2018 season of the Boston Renegades, was made widely available through video-on-demand platforms including Hulu, Apple TV, VUDU, and Netflix. [22]

Standings

2021 WFA Division 1 — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
11x Boston Renegades 5001.00029192W5
22x D.C. Divas 130.250571401L3
34x Tampa Bay Inferno 6001.0002372021W6
2021 WFA Division 1 — American Conference (Regular Season)
13x Minnesota Vixen 6001.0001622629W6
27x Cali War 610.8572024817W2
310x Arlington Impact 420.6661308211L2
422x Dallas Elite 330.5009614923L1

x - clinched playoff berth

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
May 8 Detroit Dark Angels HomeWon 62–0
May 15 D.C. Divas HomeWon 56–6
May 22 Baltimore Nighthawks HomeWon 62–0
June 5 D.C. Divas AwayWon 70–0
June 19 Detroit Dark Angels AwayWon 41–3
July 10 Tampa Bay Inferno (National Conference Final)HomeWon 63–3
July 24 Minnesota Vixen (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Canton, Ohio)Won 42–26

2022

Recap

The Renegades played a six-game regular season, finishing the regular season undefeated. Over the course of the regular season, Boston celebrated its milestone 50th franchise victory [23] and wide receiver Adrienne Smith became the WFA's all-time receiving yards leader. [24] Quarterback Allison Cahill was named the WFA National Conference Most Valuable Player for the 2022 season.

In the postseason, Boston defeated the D.C. Divas in the National Conference semifinal, the Pittsburgh Passion in the National Conference championship, and then won the national championship game 32–12 over the Minnesota Vixen. By doing so, the Renegades became the first team in WFA history to complete a "fourpeat," winning a championship an unprecedented four years in a row. Chanté Bonds was named the MVP of the championship game which was televised on ESPN2.

Standings

2022 WFA Pro — National Conference (Regular Season)
CRNRWLTPCTPFPASOSSTK
11x Boston Renegades 6001.000320856W6
25x Tampa Bay Inferno 510.8332346716W4
38x Pittsburgh Passion 420.6661601005W1
411x D.C. Divas 240.3331771981L1
512 Detroit Venom 420.6661131274W3
2022 WFA Pro — American Conference (Regular Season)
12x Minnesota Vixen 420.666231869W1
23x Arlington Impact 510.8331921038W2
34x Cali War 510.8331901207W1
46x Nevada Storm 420.6661791142W1
57 St. Louis Slam 420.6661611323W1
625 Dallas Elite 240.33310015312W1

x - clinched playoff berth

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 16 D.C. Divas AwayWon 69–28
April 23 Tampa Bay Inferno AwayWon 47–0
April 30 Detroit Venom HomeWon 49–0
May 7 Pittsburgh Passion HomeWon 46–8
May 14 St. Louis Slam AwayWon 49–21
May 21 D.C. Divas HomeWon 60–28
June 11 D.C. Divas (National Conference Semifinal)HomeWon 69–32
June 25 Pittsburgh Passion (National Conference Final)HomeWon 42–24
July 10 Minnesota Vixen (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Canton, Ohio)Won 32–12

2023

Recap

The Renegades played a six-game regular season, once again finishing undefeated.

In the postseason, Boston defeated the D.C. Divas in the National Conference semifinal, the Alabama Fire in the National Conference championship, and then won the national championship game 35–7 over the St. Louis Slam, with DL Whitney Zelee earning MVP honors. With this victory, the Renegades became the first team in WFA history to complete a "fivepeat," winning a championship an unprecedented five consecutive seasons.

Standings

Games

DateOpponent Home/Away Result
April 29 D.C. Divas HomeWon 63–6
May 6 Detroit Venom AwayWon 56–0
May 13 Pittsburgh Passion HomeWon 61–0
May 20 D.C. Divas AwayWon 84–25
June 3 Tampa Bay Inferno HomeWon 69–0
June 10 Pittsburgh Passion AwayWon 32–12
June 24 D.C. Divas (National Conference Semifinal)HomeWon 70–14
July 8 Alabama Fire (National Conference Final)HomeWon 58–6
July 22 St. Louis Slam (WFA National Championship)Neutral (Canton, Ohio)Won 35–7

References

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  2. Annear, Steve. "Women's Full Contact Football Team, Boston Militia, 'Discontinued'". BostonMagazine.com. Metro Corp. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  3. Springer, Shira. "For Renegades, a name change and a mission to keep dynasty alive". BostonGlobe.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Goresh, Sam. "From Militia to Renegades: Women's football returns to Somerville". somerville.wickedlocal.com. Gatehouse Media, Inc. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  5. "2016 WFA Standings: Week 10 – Standings at end of regular season". Militia Cheerleader's 2016 WFA Playoffs Web Site. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  6. "2015 WFA Standings". HostedStatistics.com. HostedSports.com, Inc. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  7. "2015 Boston Renegades Team Stats". HostedStatistics.com. HostedSports.com, Inc. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  8. Braden, Campbell. "Boston Women's Football Team Fights On — And Pays Its Own Way". Boston.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  9. "2016 WFA Playoff Structure and Jamboree". Militia Cheerleader's 2016 WFA Playoffs Web Site. May 12, 2016. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
  10. "Cahill Notches 100th Career Victory" (Press Release). bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Boston Renegades Women's Football. May 19, 2016. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
  11. Simon, Mark; Kelly, Meg (June 25, 2016). "Boston Renegades Knock Out Chicago Force 17-13". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Boston Renegades Women's Football. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  12. "Boston Renegades Announce New Home Stadium". BostonRenegadesFootball.com. February 8, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  13. "Five Boston Renegades Selected for Team USA". BostonRenegadesFootball.com. May 8, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  14. Simón, Mark. "Boston Renegades Silence N.Y. Sharks 21-0". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
  15. Simón, Mark. "Renegades Find Daylight Against Nighthawks". bostonrenegadesfootball.com.
  16. Truex, Erin. "Time To Finish: Renegades Seek Redemption on the Road to the Ring". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
  17. Women's Football Alliance. "WFA ends pursuit of 2020 championship season". wfaprofootball.com. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  18. Mark C. Simon. ""Born to Play" Garners Widespread Media Attention and Critical Acclaim". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  19. 1 2 Simon, Mark. "Mission Complete". BostonRenegadesFootball.org. Boston Women's Football LLC. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  20. Fiske, Angelique. "Robert Kraft surprises Boston Renegades with a trip on AirKraft to their third-straight national championship game". Patriots.com. New England PAtriots. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  21. Kujawa, Taylor (February 10, 2022). "Adrienne Smith: The rise of women's gridiron football (part one)". Her Football Hub. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  22. Simon, Mark. "Born To Play Hits Video-On-Demand Market". BostonRenegadesFootball.org. Boston Women's Football LLC. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  23. Simon, Mark. "Renegades mark 50th franchise victory with win over Pittsburgh" . Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  24. Simon, Mark. "Smith breaks WFA all-time receiving yards record" . Retrieved July 13, 2022.