As the Boston Renegades look to extend their current Women’s Football Alliance dynasty, a pair of local players will aim to contribute to the franchise’s gridiron greatness.
Sam McKay, a second-year left guard and Leominster resident, will seek her second WFA title with the Renegades in as many seasons, while rookie defensive back Kristen Stone, of Townsend, will aim to capture a championship in her first season in the league’s Pro division.
The Renegades seek their fourth straight title in the women’s tackle football league on Sunday afternoon when they face the Minnesota Vixen for the WFA Pro National Championship in Canton, Ohio. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.
Boston seeks its seventh title in franchise history, including a pair as the Boston Militia (2011, 2014), and hopes to complete a perfect season in a rematch of last year’s title tilt. The Renegades bested the Vixen, 42–26, in last summer’s top tier final.
“I’m super excited,” said McKay, 30, during Thursday’s media availability. “We put a lot of hard work into this season, just like any season, but are super focused and ready to leave it all on the field.”
The WFA features 64 women’s football teams across three divisions, including 11 Pro clubs.
McKay, a Dracut native, has played on both sides of the line this season as the team amassed a 6-0 regular season record before cruising to a pair of playoff wins. Stone made 6.5 solo tackles this season, assisting on seven others for a total of 13.5.
The Renegades outscored opponents 320-85, including a pair of shutouts, in the regular season. Boston rolled past DC on June 11, winning 69-32 in the quarterfinals, before topping Pittsburgh, 42-24, to reach the title game.
Quarterback Allison Cahill was named the WFA’s National Conference MVP this season after racking up 974 passing yards on 102 completions with a 68.5 completion percentage and 15 TD passes to go with just two INTs.
The Renegades also benefited from the running back tandem of Ruth Matta (716 yards on 94 carries, 11 TDs) and Tytti Kuusinen (522 yards on 81 carries, 10 TDs). On the defensive side, Shantia Creech led a stout defense with a WFA-leading four interceptions, including one returned for a score
The franchise won titles in 2011 and 2014 as the Boston Militia before being sold by team owner Ernie Boch Jr. to Molly Goodwin, Mia Brickhouse and Erin Baumgartner — a trio of players — and becoming the Renegades in 2015. From there, it’s been nearly nothing but success for the team, falling in the 2017 final before winning titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The WFA season was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.