Game date: June 2, 2018 @ Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
It’s always tough to beat a team more than once in the same season, but the Minnesota Vixen (6-0, 2-0 Division 2) will try to do just that when they host the Wisconsin Dragons (4-2, 0-1 Division 2) in a late-season Women’s Football Alliance conference matchup.
As the only two members of the Midwest Region, the teams are guaranteed to meet each other in the playoffs. In their previous meeting in Wisconsin in April, the Vixen won 40-6 in a nasty sleet storm. And rain is in the forecast for this Saturday.
Regardless of the weather, the Vixen are preparing for another tough matchup. “This game sets the tone for our playoff meeting with (the Dragons),” says wide receivers coach Jake Potter. “I expect a different team to be across the field from us than last time. We’re a different team as well.”
Offensive line coach John Taylor knows remaining undefeated is no small task. “Having a target on our backs at 6-0 and playing a team who goes to the whistle will be a good challenge for the Vixen,” Taylor said.
With just two games left in the regular season, the Vixen hope to stay unbeaten and lock up home field advantage for the playoffs. Minnesota is ranked in the top five in the division for rushing, passing and total offense. Quarterback Kiersten Hansen is third in the division, wide receiver Sam Barber is ranked second, and running backs Grace Cooper and Jeanette “Tank” Nelson are second and eighth.
To continue their offensive success, the Vixen will have to stop a Wisconsin defense that thrives on heavy pressure in the box and frequent blitzing. “Their defense knows how to disrupt the offensive backfield and make our job a bit tougher,” says offensive coordinator Danny Ekstrand.
Wisconsin’s offense, however, will have to put up some scores against the division’s top-ranked defense, which has held opponents to an average of 7.4 points per game.
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
