This weekend, fans of the St. Louis SLAM women’s tackle football franchise will see them make their first local appearance since June 2017 and aim to stay undefeated in their current campaign.
Photo Credit: St. Louis SLAM Instagram
The SLAM faces cross-state rival KC Titans Saturday at St. Mary’s High School (4701 South Grand, St. Louis). Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
St. Louis (1-0) made their return to Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) play in their 35-0 lock down of Arkansas Wildcats last weekend in Little Rock. It marked the team’s first contest since their 2017 WFA Tier II National Championship victory in July 2017.
“We were all excited and anxious at the same time,” said SLAM running back Taylor Hay of the team’s return last Saturday. “Due to unfortunate circumstances, the rookies didn’t get to scrimmage another team before regular season play began, so this was their first real test!“
The squad contained many of the same starters that won back-to-back championships starting in 2016.
Photo Credit: St. Louis SLAM Instagram
“Honestly, we dusted off the rust back in January,” assessed Hay of the SLAM’s initial showing. “Everyone from vets to rookies looked great. Always room for improvement, but overall, I was definitely impressed.”
At the forefront of last weekend’s impressive effort was a powerful offensive line that posted points in every quarter and a defense that held the Wildcats to minimal yardage.
“The O and D line never ceases to amaze me,” said Hay. “They were fighting in the trenches every play so we skilled players could collect all the glory points. We LOVE our big dawgs!”
Photo Credit: St. Louis SLAM Instagram
The running back predicts a mighty challenge from the competitive Titans (0-1), who were dropped in their season opener by the Minnesota Vixen, 17-13.
“Regardless of numbers or personnel, KC always brings it,” projected Hay. “They have a seasoned coaching staff along with a few seasoned vets who always give us a game!”
The SLAM looks for winning ways in front of a spirited crowd and aims for their ninth straight home victory in Saturday’s Show-Me State tussle.
“I think anytime the community can support women’s football, it will only help the awareness for our sport to grow,” Hay said. “I also think it’s important for the rookies to experience the love and support the SLAM has received over the last sixteen years.”
Season tickets for the SLAM’s four-game schedule at St. Mary’s High School are $40 apiece and can be purchased AT THIS LINK.
For more information on the SLAM, go to their official website.
Arch City Media will be at Saturday’s contest and will have a full recap posted Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
