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2019 Season Preview

March 25, 2019    ·       ·    News

The Minnesota Vixen begin their 21st season of play this year.  Last season, the Vixen finished 9-2 with only one regular season loss and the other in the WFA Division II Championship Game.  With a new group of players and coaches including first time head coach Ryan McCauley, the Vixen look to expand on 6 seasons with winning records and 7 of the last 10 which also include three division and two conference titles in that time.  Will this be the year that the Vixen bring the state of Minnesota a championship?  Here is what is in store for the 2019 season. The teams the Vixen(Div II) play this year had the following WFA records in their 2018 seasons.
  • Kansas City Titans (Div I) 8-2.  Will be played twice.  In 2018 Vixen split the season with Kansas City with each team winning on their home field.  All time Vixen hold a 4-1 advantage.
  • Wisconsin Dragons (Div II) 4-4.  Will be played three times.  In 2018 Vixen won both regular season games and also the second round playoff game.  Vixen lead all time 3-0.
  • St Louis Slam (Div II).  Did not play in 2018.  All time the Slam lead the series 0-1.
  • Iowa Phoenix (Div III).  Will be played twice.  2019 is the inaugural season for the Phoenix.
  • Lifetime the Vixen lead their 2019 opponents 7-2.
2019 teams in the WFA DIV II American Conference and their 2018 records
  • Minnesota Vixen (MidWest Region) 9-2.
  • Mile High Blaze (Pacific Region) 7-3.
  • Seattle Spartans (Pacific Region) 6-3.  Used to be the Everett Reign.
  • Houston Energy MidWest Region) 4-1.  Played in IWFL in 2018.
  • Wisconsin Dragons MidWest Region) 4-4.
  • Tacoma Trauma (Pacific Region) 1-6.
  • St Louis Slam (MidWest Region).  Did not play in 2018.
Last season there were only two teams in the MidWest Division which made an easier path for the Vixen in the play-offs.  This season with four teams the Vixen will need to play hard in order for the path to Golden, CO to come through Minnesota.  Based on scheduling only the top two teams of each region will make the playoffs before the American Conference Championship game between the best in the Midwest and the best in the Pacific regions. Keep up to date by following the Minnesota Vixen on social media. By Brian Sweeney.  You can follow Brian ‘Announcer Guy’ Sweeney across all social media @mnannouncerguy.

Connecting with Sweden

March 1, 2019    ·       ·    News

Only 1 week until Minnesota Vixen owner and Coach Laura Brown will be participating in the IFAF Nordic American Football Camp for Girls in Malmo, Sweden.  Now in its third year, this interactive camp brings American football to girls ages 12 to 18 from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. Brown was invited by the U.S. Embassy as part of the embassy’s efforts to enhance the understanding of American society and values in Sweden.  Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever strengthening relations between the United States and Sweden.  Brown states “sports foster a mutual understanding between people with different backgrounds and can bridge the gap, plus allow for engagement”. Besides involvement with the camp while in Sweden, the embassy will have Brown connect with two additional groups, Sports without Borders and the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden.  Sports without Borders is an NGO whose goal is to utilize sports as a means for young people to be empowered in their own lives.  Brown will be speaking with students and teachers introducing them to American football and how American football can help them accomplish their goals in life. Additionally, Brown will visit the American Chamber of Commerce.  As the voice of American business in Sweden, the chamber is enthusiastic about hearing Brown speak on her challenges on changing perceptions critical to success – both internally and externally as a leader of a unique business. Brown is excited to not only be working with the youth but to be utilizing sport and her experiences to engage others.  “It is a great opportunity to connect with others and have a shared experience” Brown states.  “Through these types of experiences, we can grow together”. Established in 1999, the Minnesota Vixen are the longest continuously operating women's American football team in the world.  Based in the Twin Cities, the Vixen are a member of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) and compete with over 60 teams across the nation.  Brown is on the WFA's Board of Representatives and has been the owner/operator of the Minnesota Vixen for the last five seasons where twice they have appeared in national championship title games.  With unprecedented growth, the Vixen are not only the pioneers of women’s football but also leading the future of the sport.

Vixen/Dragons Game Preview

June 25, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: June 30, 2018 @ Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

In their third meeting of the 2018 season, the Minnesota Vixen (7-1, 3-0 Division 2) and the Wisconsin Dragons (5-3, 0-2 Division 2) will battle for the right to advance in the Women’s Football Alliance national playoffs. While the Vixen won handily in the teams’ two regular-season contests, wide receivers coach Jake Potter knows the Dragons will do their best to get a different outcome on Saturday. “There is nothing more dangerous than a team with nothing to lose,” Potter said. “They’re fighters, and they want to make a statement by beating us.” Minnesota hopes to make a statement of its own and continue its dominance of the feisty Wisconsin team. So far this year, the Vixen have held the Dragons to six total points while racking up 88 points on offense. In fact, almost one-third of Minnesota’s total offensive yardage has come against the Dragons. As usual, the Vixen will depend on a punishing ground game from Grace Cooper and Jeanette “Tank” Nelson to lead the way, and quarterback Kiersten Hansen will have regular targets Sam Barber and Rae Uhrich available in the air attack. Both Cooper and Nelson had 100-plus yard games in the prior two games this year. The Dragons have had some success against the Vixen using heavy pressure up front on defense, but so far have been unable to put together an extended drive against Minnesota’s defense, which ended the season tied for first in Division 2 in total points allowed. Rookie defensive end Chelsy Swanson was especially troublesome for Wisconsin in the early June matchup, turning in three sacks and seven tackles. The winner of Saturday’s game advances to the American Conference final on July 14 against either the San Diego Rebellion or the Mile High Blaze. If the Dragons win, they will be the lower seed and head out west; the Vixen, who earned the top overall seed in Division 2, will host the July game if they win. Also, all players and coaches for the 20 years of the team’s existence have been invited to attend Saturday’s game and will be honored during an alumni recognition ceremony at halftime. 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
 

Vixen/Titans Game Preview

June 8, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: June 8, 2018 @ Truman High School, Independence, MO

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Central Time

The Kansas City Titans (6-1, 2-0 Division 1) are all that stand in the way of an 8-0 regular season for the Minnesota Vixen (7-0, 3-0 Division 2). Both teams are preparing for a fight to the finish in Saturday’s Women’s Football Alliance contest, with the Titans hoping to avenge a loss on the road to the Vixen in April. “The Titans certainly live up to their name,” said wide receivers coach Jake Potter. “But they haven’t forgotten us and what we can do. We need to respect them and do what we do best.” A victory would give Minnesota their second perfect regular season since Head Coach Laura Brown and her husband James became team owners. It would also preserve home-field advantage for the Vixen in the playoffs. Vixen running backs Grace Cooper and Jeanette “Tank” Nelson will look to use their dynamic blend of power and speed to keep the offense rolling. Minnesota put up nearly 600 yards of total offense in the June 2 game against the Wisconsin Dragons, with 163 yards through the air from Kiersten Hansen to five different targets, including wide receiver standouts Sam Barber and rookie Rae Uhrich. Minnesota’s defense is ranked at the top of Division 2, having shut out three different opponents thus far. The Titans defense is holding teams to an average of 8.9 points per game, and their offense is averaging 45.7 points and 307 yards per game going into this weekend. The Vixen will post live updates on ScoreStream 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 updates during all games) Live stream and replay of home games: Town Square Television
 

Vixen/Dragons Game Preview

June 2, 2018    ·       ·    News

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
 

Vixen/Vanguards Game Preview

May 4, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: May 5, 2018 @ Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

  Halfway through the season, the Minnesota Vixen are undefeated (4-0, 2-0 Division 2) and looking to maintain home field advantage in the Women's Football Alliance playoffs. They start a three-game homestand on Saturday against the Columbus Vanguards (1-3, 1-2 Division 3), and even though their next three opponents each only have one win, the Vixen won't be taking anything for granted. "Columbus has turned some heads this season," said Vixen wide receiver coach Jake Potter. "They would make a huge statement by beating us." Special teams coach Adam Griffith hopes his unit has a breakout game. "We've struggled a bit so far this year with assignments and blocking," Griffith said. "However, we got back to basics this week in practice and should see that translate to better performance in the game." One thing the Vixen have been doing well is playing defense, holding opponents to under 10 points a game on average. Last week against a tenacious Detroit Dark Angels squad, the defense recovered a fumble and had a clutch fourth-quarter interception to seal the victory. Offensively, Minnesota continues to grind. Expect to see Grace Cooper keep chewing up the turf with her hard-charging running style, and Sam Barber lead the Vixen air attack. The Vixen will post 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
 

Vixen/Dark Angels Game Preview

April 26, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: April 28, 2018, at Southfield Lathrup High School, Lathrup Village, MI Kickoff: 7 p.m. Eastern    Saturday’s game against the Detroit Dark Angels should be another tough test for a Minnesota Vixen squad looking to cement its status as a powerhouse team in the Women’s Football Alliance. “Their record shows that they will be a contender this year,” said Vixen offensive coordinator Danny Ekstrand. “But we’ve had a good week of practice and are confident in our game plan.” Detroit (2-0, 1-0 Division 2) is coming off a bye week, while Minnesota (3-0, 1-0 Division 2) gutted out a 33-25 victory over the Kansas City Titans in their home opener. The Vixen trailed the Titans until the fourth quarter, when they scored twice to get the lead and seal the win. They hope that momentum carries through on their longest road trip of the regular season. Wide receivers coach Jake Potter is ready for the trip. “At the midpoint of the season, it all comes down to conditioning and depth of bench. Detroit is a strong team that is looking to take us down a peg,” Potter said. “But if we control the line and play our game, we have a strong shot at winning.” Running back Grace Cooper and wide receiver Sam Barber continue to be a one-two punch for the Vixen offense. Cooper scored against Kansas City from 22 and 51 yards out, and Barber had multiple clutch catches, including a tiptoe grab just behind the front pylon to tie the game. Minnesota’s defense, despite allowing 25 points, forced and recovered two fumbles. Amy Mugaas’ 90-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter provided an early spark, and the unit piled up eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss on the night. 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 updates during all games) Live stream and replays of home games: Town Square Television
 

Vixen/KC Titans Game Preview

April 19, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: April 21, 2018 @ Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
This weekend's Women's Football Alliance match-up between the Minnesota Vixen and the Kansas City Titans will be a knock-down, drag-out battle between two surging, well-coached squads. Both teams boast a 2-0 record, each having beaten the Madison Blaze and the Wisconsin Dragons so far in 2018. Last year, Minnesota bested Kansas City three times, including a 40-6 victory in the first round of the playoffs. So far this year, the Vixen have played in extreme weather, with a frigid, wet game in Madison and another even colder game in Milwaukee that has affectionately been dubbed "Sleet Bowl 2018." But the forecast for Saturday in the Twin Cities is mid-50s with partly cloudy skies. "Let's just pray that it is favorable conditions so the fans, players and coaches all have a good time," says Minnesota offensive line coach John Taylor. "Kansas City was a great opponent for us last year," said Vixen offensive coordinator Danny Ekstrand. "They have gotten better this year ... we are preparing for them the best we can and are ready for a dogfight until the very end." The Titans have several returning players on offense, including WFA All-American wide receiver Liz Sowers. They have outscored their 2018 opponents 94-6 and have their sights set on making things difficult for Nick Leach's defense, which has also held opponents to six points over two games. Last year, the Vixen defense intercepted the Titans seven times in their two regular season games, returning four of those for touchdowns. "This is going to be a tough test for our defense, but I like how we are playing right now," says Leach. "Hopefully we continue to improve every week and keep giving ourselves chances to be successful." 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
 

Vixen/Dragons Game Preview

April 12, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: April 14, 2018 @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI Kickoff: 7 p.m.

  Coming off a 46-0 victory in which they gained more than 300 rushing yards, the Minnesota Vixen (1-0 overall, 0-0 Division 2) hope to see similar results this week against the Wisconsin Dragons (0-1, 0-0). It’s both teams’ first division matchup of the season. The Dragons will look to improve on a 47-6 loss in Kansas City, and get ahead of the Vixen in the American Conference’s Midwest Region. “We played a good team last week in the (Madison) Blaze and came out on the right side of it because our players executed the game plan,” said Vixen offensive coordinator Danny Ekstrand. “The Dragons are a new team this year, but we are not going to take them lightly and are preparing for them just like we would any other team.” Head coach Laura Brown concurred. “It’s important to keep competition levels high, and it’s great to see football return to southeastern Wisconsin.” On defense against the Blaze, Minnesota performed well, forcing a turnover on Madison’s first play from scrimmage. The Vixen only allowed three first downs while collecting a blocked punt and another fumble recovery on their way to the shutout. Six different players scored for the Vixen against the Blaze: Grace Cooper, Ellie Becker, Sam Barber, Jenessa White, Tank Nelson, and Beth Westie. Kiersten Hansen threw for 154 yards on the day, including four touchdowns, and five running backs ate up 337 yards on the ground. Wide receivers coach Jake Potter acknowledged the success, but he also knows there’s still work to do. “It’s only one week of a long season. We enjoyed the win, and now we look to the next game.” Hopefully, that next game won’t be played in a foot of snow.   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 updates during all games) Live stream and replay of home games: Town Square Television
 

Vixen/Blaze Game Preview

April 4, 2018    ·       ·    News

Game date: April 7, 2018 @ Otto Breitenbach Stadium, Middleton, WI   The official opening weekend of the Women’s Football Alliance sees the Minnesota Vixen on the road to start their 20th anniversary season, continuing a longtime rivalry with the Madison Blaze. Both teams are experiencing change, with a new ownership structure for the Blaze and a new head coach for the Vixen in team owner and former player Laura Brown. “(It’s) always a tough border battle with the Madison Blaze,” says Brown. “The first game of the season is our chance to see all of the hard work in the preseason finally pay off.” The Vixen’s tryouts last fall were well-attended, with more than 100 women vying for a spot on the 2018 roster. Several promising rookies have been added to a solid veteran core that includes six 2017 WFA All-Americans. Danny Ekstrand, who coached wide receivers last year, has big plans in his new role as offensive coordinator, with an up-tempo style that focuses on getting started fast. Minnesota’s offense averaged 325 yards per game last year, good for third in the league. Players to watch include Kiersten Hansen at quarterback, Grace Cooper at running back and wide receiver Sam Barber, who led the WFA with 889 yards and 11 touchdowns on 45 receptions in 2017. On defense, Cynthia “Red” Bryant anchors the line for a hungry bunch of ball hawks who forced 12 fumbles and racked up 20 interceptions in 2017. Also on the Vixen sideline will be Jeff Gehring as running backs coach, Adam Griffith as special teams/defensive backs coach, Nick Leach as defensive coordinator, Jake Potter as wide receivers coach, John Taylor for the offensive line, and assistant coaches Andrew Carbone and Jason Cornelison. Brown is also handling defensive line duties. The Vixen will post live updates on Twitter during their away games this year, and for the third 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 updates during games) Live stream and replay of home games: Town Square Television

2017 Season

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