The Manitoba Fearless are ‘ready to rock’

The Manitoba Fearless have tackled its way into the post-season.

Winnipeg’s Western Women’s Canadian Football League club are set to clash with the Regina Riots Saturday with a spot in the Prairie Conference final on the line.

This will be the third head-to-head matchup between Manitoba and Regina this season. The Fearless have taken both previous games — downing the Riot 17-7 in its season opener back on May 10 and then 31-28 on the road back on May 31.

Head coach Andrea Backlund emphasized the need for the team to continue to play the way it has all season — with confidence, timing and execution.

“Those things need to happen very game,” she said. “Everyone does feel a little but more pressure when it comes to playoffs because its do-or-die at this point.”

Manitoba finished the regular season with a 2-2 record — good enough for third in the standings — and home field advantage in Saturday’s semifinal has the club confident in their ability to perform.

“We have some of the best kickers in the league. We have one of the best defensive lines in the league,” Backlund said, alluding to linebacker Brenna Hargrave and defensive end Brooklyn Dyce who have been coined as “beautifully violent.”

“Dyce is an absolute beast out there. Her drive and determination and football IQ are really high. She makes very impactful plays on the line.”

“We have some of the best kickers in the league. We have one of the best defensive lines in the league.”

When it comes to Hargrave, Backlund described her ability to read the play, react instantly and make the right decision as paramount to the club’s success.

And rookie quarterback Tianna Hutter has taken the team to the next level.

“She’s been an rock star to have on the team… not just from an athletic standpoint but from a leadership standpoint,” Backlund said.

Hutter has transitioned seemlessly to the hard-hitting WWCFL this season. Despite her rookie status, Hutter’s leadership has led the rest of the team to rally behind her, trusting her judgement on and off the field.

“When they’re in the huddle everyone stops and listens. She has that impact that people want to listen to her, people want to follow her direction,” Backlund said.

In preparation for this match, Hutter watched game tape, focusing not only on Regina but her own mistakes to be aware of what she needs to improve on Saturday. In the heat of a game, it’s easy to become discouraged, but Hutter maintains a healthy mentality that allows her to continue on without dwelling on the past.

“I always tell myself to flush it if I have a poor play or I messed up. I need to flush the play and continue onto the next,” she explained.

“I can’t be upset about the last play because we got more to do.”

Taking on a leadership role as a young player can be challenging, but Hutter takes it in stride and leans on her teammates for guidance. Running back Hallie Eggie has been that mentor for Hutter as she navigates this role within the team.

“She has been my rock (and) has helped me from Day 1. Her confidence gives me confidence,” Hutter said.

“I’ve never been in this type of situation before, playing tackle football as a quarterback with a bunch of older, more experienced players — and I’m the one leading them.”

But, according to Backlund, it isn’t obvious that this is Hutter’s first time in this scenario, being a natural leader from the first snap of the season.

“Trust the training and the process. Remain calm and have confidence,” Hutter said is her mantra of sorts going into these highly intense games.

This is consistent with what Backlund had to say about her roster’s pre-game process.

“Respect the process. Everyone gets ready on game day a little bit differently. Respect whatever that looks like for each player,” she said.

“But once the clock hits and everyone’s out there, then the intensity comes in, the focus comes in, and everyone’s just ready to rock.”

sports@freepress.mb.ca