By Mike Rubin
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Off the gridiron, they’re sophisticated, hard working and down-to-earth, but on it, the Boston Militia emerged as a brutal force of the Independent Women’s Football League this summer.
With home games at Dilboy Stadium, the Militia cruised to an 11-0 mark and dominated the Sacramento Sirens in a 39-7 drubbing in the WFL championship on July 23 in Round Rock, Texas.
Defensively, the unit of Molly Goodwin, Vicky Eddy, Nikita Payne along with Brianna Gallo, JP Powell, Jessica Penta, Jenny Oliveri and Raxan English all dominated on the line.
Offensively, Allison Cahill led the way at quarterback, tossing for 133 yards and two touchdowns along with 39 rushing yards.
Early in the first quarter, Mia Brickhouse scored on a 16-yard touchdown run. Later, the Militia increased the lead to 10-0 as Ashley Snyder kicked a 36-yard field goal.
Following a turnover, the Militia continued to dominate as Cahill nailed wide receiver Amy Saur on a 36-yard touchdown pass en route to a 17-0 halftime lead.
With temperatures hovering over 90 degrees, the Militia continued to open the floodgates as Stacey Tiamfook scored on a nine yard run before Brickhouse’s two-point conversion increased the lead to 25-0.
With the game well in hand, Cahill struck Saur again on another 36-yard touchdown hoo up for a commanding 32-0 lead. Adding to the scoring, Dawn Herring scored on a 42-yard dash into the end zone.
Coaching the squad is former New England Patriots wideout Derrick Beasley along with fellow former Patriots Rob Perryman and Vernon Crawford.
Kicking off the season, the Militia cruised to wins over the New York Nemesis and Connecticut before dominating Pittsburgh in a 27-0 victory. After defeating the DC Divas in a 42-35 shootout victory, the Militia continued their dominance with wins over the Nemesis (40-0), the New York Sharks (31-0) and Philadelphia. Rounding out the regular season, the Militia dominated in a 52-36 win over the Divas.
In the Eastern Conference showdown against the Divas, the Militia cruised to a 28-0 shutout win before earning their championship on July 24.
While football maybe their passion, it certainly doesn’t pay the bills. For example, occupations of the athletes include corrections officers, chefs, administrative assistants, high school teachers and personal trainers.
During their four home games at Dilboy, the crowed averaged over 2,000 per game while generating interest of women’s football in Somerville and surrounding towns.
Local residents on the squad include wide receivers Erin Baumgartner and Kelly Bowse, offensive linemen Emily Conway and Marie Etienne, Sam Rush and Kehinda Oshindi.
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