Maritime Women's Football League
2008 Game Summaries
 

Preseason
 
By Scott Briggs
Telegraph-Journal
Published May 31, 2008
Appeared on page C11

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Storm will be tested early this season.

Their first foe of the 2008 season is the Fredericton Gladiators, winners of the last two Maritime Women’s Football League championships. Kick-off is today at 1 p.m. at Millidgeville Field. The pigskin circuit’s other contest has the Moncton Vipers visiting the Halifax Explosion at 12 noon.

“There’s quite a rivalry between Saint John and Fredericton,’’ Storm captain and quarterback Lisa Harlow said.“Who comes out on top is a big thing.’’ No matter who wins today’s tilt, Harlow is excited about the strides taken by the women’s circuit. The 23-year-old hopes to see expansion in the future, but for now is concerned with keeping things healthy at home. Part of that is the success of Fundy Minor Football’s program for girls ages 14-17 beginning in the fall. Those players will become the lifeline for the Storm, a team that currently includes players ages 18 and over.

“We were the first established (women’s football) league in Canada,’’ she said. “It’s very important to stay established and grow.’’ Harlow, a former rugby player at Simonds High School, said parity is one of the league’s strengths.

“I think this year all the teams are pretty well established. I think every team is going to be competitive.’’ Among the Storm’s returning players are Michelle Young-Mather, a receiver and free safety, Trina Graves on the defensive line, running back Tammy Saunders and linebacker-centre Amanda Craine.

“I think we will be a well-rounded team,’’ Harlow said.“If you can stop our running game, we’ll go to our passing game. If you can stop our passing game, we’ll go back to our running game.’’ Harlow hopes to guide the Storm to an undefeated regular season. Each team plays a home-and-home set en route to the playoffs, which includes all four teams.

“These (regular-season games) are meant to get out the kinks,’’ Harlow said.

“We want to get home-field advantage, so to finish first or second is what we’re looking at.’’