IMPERIAL PA — Boston’s offense scored only half of its season average, and the Renegades defense allowed the most points it has all season, but the team still managed a 32-12 victory and a perfect 6-0 regular season.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we ground out a win,” said Boston Running Back Ruth Matta. “Its a testament that while we didn’t play that great, we still won. And that says a lot about the team’s mentality. But we aren’t happy, we want to be better every week. This game — there will be a lot to learn from.”

It Wasn’t Pretty

The Renegades were held scoreless in the first quarter for the first time since playing the Minnesota Vixen in the 2021 National Championship Game. But Matta scored twice in the second frame to help Boston build an 18-6 lead by halftime. She finished with 109 rushing yards, her highest mark of the season.

Wide Receiver Stephanie Pascual also turned in her season-best performance with 9 receptions for 69 yards and a TD. Her touchdown catch early in the third quarter essentially put the game out of reach. The teams traded touchdowns in the final frame before Safety Erika Adams ended Pittsburgh’s final drive with an interception. The final score was 32-12.

Hostile Territory

“I commend our ladies on their mental toughness playing through a lot of adversity today,” remarked Head Coach John Johnson. “They knew they were coming into hostile territory and Pittsburgh is a very good football club. And they showed us why today.”

“As much as we have things to fix and get better at, to have mistakes and issues and still win the game is a credit to the character and talent we have on this team,” continued Johnson. “And to finish 6-0 is a tremendous achievement.”

Playoff Preparations

Still, the team is looking to make improvements heading into the playoffs which start in two weeks at home in Revere.

“Like any other game we have a lot of things to work on,” Johnson acknowledged. “We gotta get good at the little things — it’s back to the basics. So we will look at everything, make our changes, and improve where we need to.”

“Every win is still a learning experience. We just gotta play up to our own standards,” explained Linebacker Spring Gamble who delivered six tackles and some big hits. “I feel like if I can bring that energy with my teammates behind me, there is no stopping us.”

The Renegades could very well meet this Pittsburgh team again before the season’s end.

“Credit to Pittsburgh. They hit hard,” confessed Matta. “Pittsburgh brought it, and it was a good game to play.”

The Road To Canton

The Renegades and the Pittsburgh Passion will await the official announcement from the league office, but the teams are expected to be the #1 and #2 seeds respectively in the National Conference. The Alabama Fire and D.C. Divas are expected to round out the eastern playoff bracket.

Out West, the St. Louis Slam, Cali War, Minnesota Vixen, and Houston Energy will compete for the right to represent the American Conference in the WFA Pro National Championship.

The WFA Pro National Championship will be played on Saturday, July 22 in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN 2.