Boston Renegades (WFA)

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

Boston Renegades
Founded2015
LeagueWFA (2015–)
Team historyBoston Renegades (2015–)
Boston Militia (2008–2014)
Bay State Warriors/Boston Rampage (2002–2007)
Massachusetts Mutiny (2001–2007)
Based inBoston, Massachusetts
StadiumHarry Della Russo Stadium, Revere, Massachusetts
Colorsred, black, white
OwnerMolly Goodwin
Head coachJohn Johnson
General managerBen Brown
Championships2 (2018, 2019)
Conference titles3 (2017, 2018, 2019)
Division titles2 (2015, 2017)
Websitebostonrenegadesfootball.com

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)
Totals39100 (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
W L T PCT PF PA DIV GB STK
y,z - Boston Renegades320.6001661320-0---L1

y - clinched division title
z - clinched playoff berth

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 18 Central Maryland Seahawks Home Won 36-32
May 2 D.C. Divas Home Lost 32-27
May 16 Cleveland Fusion Away Won 24-20
May 30 Chicago Force Away Won 30-24
June 13 D.C. Divas Away Lost 56-28
June 27 West Michigan Mayhem (National Conference Quarterfinal) Home Won 59-12
July 11 Chicago Force (National Conference Semifinal) Home Lost 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. 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 WFA1 National Conference (Regular Season)
R W L T PCT PF PA NR SOS STK
1x,y - D.C. Divas710.87536615021W7
2x,y - Chicago Force710.87543210633W3
3x - Boston Renegades530.62527324252L2
4x,y - Pittsburgh Passion620.75035812268L1
5x,y - Atlanta Phoenix530.6252961361315W1
6x - Cleveland Fusion440.5001811491611W3

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 2 Philadelphia Phantomz Away Won 40-25
April 9 Cleveland Fusion Away Won 28-7
April 16 D.C. Divas Home Lost 35-32
April 30 Philadelphia Phantomz Home Won 54-12
May 7 Cleveland Fusion Home Won 47-18
May 14 Pittsburgh Passion Away Won 51-32
May 21 Chicago Force Home Lost 58-14
June 4 D.C. Divas Away Lost 55-7
June 11 Cleveland Fusion (National Conference Quarterfinal) Home Won 19-13
June 25 Chicago Force (National Conference Semifinal) Away Won 17-13
July 9 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final) Away Lost 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 WFA1 National Conference (Regular Season)
R W L T PCT PF PA NR SOS STK
1x,y Boston Renegades7001.00023212311W7
2x,y Chicago Force710.8752856624W1
3x,y Pittsburgh Passion620.75032014533W1
4x D.C. Divas530.62520216242W3
5x Cleveland Fusion530.62520510577W1
6x Atlanta Phoenix620.7503521271222L1

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 8 Philadelphia Phantomz Away Won 41-6
April 22 D.C. Divas Away Won 26-22
April 29 Montreal Blitz Home Won 54-19
May 6 D.C. Divas Home Won 26-0
May 13 Pittsburgh Passion Home Won 33-28
May 20 Chicago Force Away Won 25-24
June 3 Philadelphia Phantomz Home Won 27-24
June 17 D.C. Divas (National Conference Semifinal) Home Won 27-24
July 8 Chicago Force (National Conference Final) Home Won 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 WFA1 National Conference (Regular Season)
R W L T PCT PF PA NR SOS STK
1x,y D.C. Divas620.75027211912W5
2x Pittsburgh Passion710.87532111123W1
3x Boston Renegades620.75023911031W2
4x Atlanta Phoenix610.8571622676W5

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 7 Philadelphia Phantomz Away Won 21-12
April 14 D.C. Divas Home Won 21-14
April 21 Pittsburgh Passion Away Lost 41-44
April 28 Cleveland Fusion Home Won by forfeit
May 12 New York Sharks Away Won 21-0
May 19 D.C. Divas Away Lost 35-40
June 2 Baltimore Nighthawks Home Won 42-0
June 9 Philadelphia Phantomz Home Won 56-0
June 30 Pittsburgh Passion (National Conference Semifinal) Away (Pittsburgh Passion) Won 63-26
July 14 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final) Away (Washington, D.C.) Won 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.

Standings

2019 WFA1 National Conference (Regular Season)
R W L T PCT PF PA NR SOS STK
1x,y Boston Renegades8001.00049010412W8
2x D.C. Divas620.75039521631L1

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 6 Tampa Bay Inferno Away Won 61-7
April 13 New York Wolves Home Won 68-14
April 27 D.C. Divas Away Won 37-32
May 4 New York Wolves Away Won 40-13
May 18 Baltimore Nighthawks Home Won 68-0
June 1 Philadelphia Phantomz Home Won 91-0
June 8 Baltimore Nighthawks Away Won 63-6
June 15 D.C. Divas Home Won 62-32
June 29 D.C. Divas (National Conference Final) Home Won 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. The documentary has been licensed by ESPN until the end of 2020.

Standings

2020 WFA1 National Conference (Regular Season — Cancelled)
R W L T PCT PF PA NR SOS STK
Boston Renegades00000
D.C. Divas00000
Pittsburgh Passion00000

x - clinched playoff berth
y - clinched division title

Games

Date Opponent Home/Away Result
April 11 New York Wolves Away Not played
April 18 D.C. Divas Away Not played
April 25 Minnesota Vixen Home Not played
May 2 Detroit Dark Angels Home Not played
May 9 Cleveland Fusion Away Not played
May 16 D.C. Divas Home Not played
May 30 St. Louis Slam Away Not played
June 6 New York Wolves Home Not played


References

  1. "Women's Football News: Boston Militia Announcement". The Boston Militia. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 6 January 2015.
  2. Annear, Steve. "Women's Full Contact Football Team, Boston Militia, 'Discontinued'". BostonMagazine.com. Metro Corp. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  3. Springer, Shira. "For Renegades, a name change and a mission to keep dynasty alive". BostonGlobe.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  4. Goresh, Sam. "From Militia to Renegades: Women's football returns to Somerville". somerville.wickedlocal.com. Gatehouse Media, Inc. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  5. "2016 WFA Standings: Week 10 – Standings at end of regular season". Militia Cheerleader's 2016 WFA Playoffs Web Site. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
  6. "2015 WFA Standings". HostedStatistics.com. HostedSports.com, Inc. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  7. "2015 Boston Renegades Team Stats". HostedStatistics.com. HostedSports.com, Inc. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  8. Braden, Campbell. "Boston Women's Football Team Fights On — And Pays Its Own Way". Boston.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  9. "2016 WFA Playoff Structure and Jamboree". Militia Cheerleader's 2016 WFA Playoffs Web Site. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  10. "Cahill Notches 100th Career Victory" (Press Release). bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Boston Renegades Women's Football. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  11. Simon, Mark; Kelly, Meg (25 June 2016). "Boston Renegades Knock Out Chicago Force 17-13". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Boston Renegades Women's Football. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  12. "Boston Renegades Announce New Home Stadium". BostonRenegadesFootball.com. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  13. "Five Boston Renegades Selected for Team USA". BostonRenegadesFootball.com. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  14. Simón, Mark. "Boston Renegades Silence N.Y. Sharks 21-0". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Retrieved 27 January 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 27 January 2019.
  17. Women's Football Alliance. "WFA ends pursuit of 2020 championship season". wfaprofootball.com. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
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