The St. Louis SLAM returns to the turf in the Lone Star State this weekend and looks to remain undefeated by continuing their current hot streak in Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) play.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
The SLAM (4-0) faces the Dallas Elite Mustangs (1-2) Saturday in Mansfield, Texas for an interleague battle between WFA Pro American conference reps. Kickoff at R.L. Anderson Stadium is set for 7 p.m. Central.
St. Louis kept their spotless record intact with an eye-opening 36-27 home victory over five-time defending WFA Pro Champs Boston two Saturdays ago (RECAP). The nine-point duke halted the Renegades’ 42-game win-streak and gave early notice to all that the SLAM is more than ready to claim their own coveted fifth national trophy later this summer.
“I don’t think we wanted an ‘L’,” said SLAM offensive lineman Marion Ball after the Boston win. ”We played a good, clean game and we just killed it.”
“Don’t sleep on St. Louis,” added SLAM defensive specialist Mary Altepeter. “We know we have a target on our back and people like to come for us, but we’re ready for it. We’re ready for that competition and play some good football.”
The squad’s success against the Renegades was based on numerous contributions from all areas.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
Quarterback Jaime Gaal had three touchdown passes in the Boston win that pushed the gunslinger’s ledger to a league-leading 15 strikes through four games. The All-American also added a touchdown run that pushed the overall portfolio.
Receiver Kerri McMahan snared a pair of six-point receptions against the Boston secondary that pushed the second-year starter’s stats to nine on the season.
The offensive line of Ball, Antonnia Washington, Pamela Green, Tamikka Brents and Caitlin Erickson have been instrumental in the team’s high-powered attack that currently tops WFA Pro scoring in total points (183).
Through four games, running back Jada Humphrey has collected four touchdown runs from scrimmage while rookie receiver Sydney Bloch has five scoring catches and six endzone trips overall.
Meanwhile, the SLAM’s defensive unit has performed at solid levels against stiff competition and are currently ranked fifth in WFA Pro (17.5 AVG).
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
Alongside Altepeter, Myah LeFlore, Raven Williams, Alisha Straws, Tay Johnson, Jamie Skinner, Kinnaudy Daniels, Ciara Morgan, Stephanie Moore, Kaylee Neutzling, Keyonna Smith, Maddie Embree and a host of others will be looking to put the clamp down this weekend.
On paper, another SLAM victory is projected Saturday but the opponent is up for the challenge.
After winning their first game of the season, Dallas Elite Mustangs have dropped two straight contests, including mid-May’s 41-22 setback to non-conference foe Houston Energy and currently sits sixth in the WFA Pro American complexion.
Through three games, Mustangs’ quarterback Destinee Hernandez has thrown nine touchdown passes, five of which were caught by receiver Savannah Burkhalter. Meanwhile, running back Zaria Whittaker has three endzone appearances in limited duty. On the plus-side, Dallas Elite currently has a very robust offense that averages 30 points per contest.
Conversely, Dallas’ defense has surrendered an average of 37 points per game, so they must perform at optimal levels to keep in pace with the SLAM’s offense that ranks third overall in WFA Pro (45.8 PPG).
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
In the end, St. Louis’ Saturday missive is to continue their stellar output that propels their final two battles of their six-game WFA regular season and claim the top seed for the Pro American post-season that begins in late-June.
“We’ve got the people to get the job done,” said the SLAM’s LeFlore. “We’re going to keep working on what we need to do, but I’m excited for what our team has in store.”
The SLAM returns home for their final game of the regular season June 15 in a battle with WFA Pro American rivals Minnesota at St. Mary’s High School. St. Louis edged the Vixen (2-1) by a solo point in early-May and the re-match should contain similar drama.
For more information on the SLAM, go to their official website.
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.
