Recap: The 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship concludes in Fredericton, New Brunswick with Ontario Red taking home the top prize
July 29, 2024, Fredericton, NB – The 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship concluded yesterday at BMO Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick, marking another successful chapter in the development of women’s football in Canada. The tournament showcased the rising talent and growing competitiveness of young female football players across the nation.
The championship featured eight teams representing various provinces and regions of Canada: Alberta, Ontario Red, Ontario Black, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and the National Indigenous team. The teams competed in a series of games over the course of a week, culminating in yesterday’s placement matches and the gold medal game.
Gold Medal Game: Ontario Red Dethrones Defending Champions
In a thrilling finale, Ontario Red emerged victorious over defending champions Alberta with a score of 25-8. The game was a testament to the high level of play that has become characteristic of this tournament.
Ontario Red’s quarterback Isabelle Berube led her team to victory, completing 10 of 17 passes for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Tegan Roy was the standout performer, catching 8 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Ontario Red defense, led by Favor Ebenki (8 solo tackles, 6 assists, 2 sacks), managed to contain Alberta’s potent offense.
Alberta, led by quarterback Sarah Fagnan (6/20, 72 yards passing; 116 yards rushing), fought hard but couldn’t overcome Ontario Red’s balanced attack. Sidanee Bowers provided an early spark for Alberta with an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to secure a repeat championship.
Bronze Medal Game: Quebec Secures Third Place
Quebec claimed the bronze medal with a convincing 24-6 victory over Manitoba. Quarterback Emilie Hubert led Quebec’s offense, throwing for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns, all to wide receiver Doryanh Odige who finished with 4 catches for 165 yards. Manitoba’s effort was spearheaded by running back Eden Gates, who rushed for 134 yards on 37 carries.
5th Place Playoff: Saskatchewan Dominates
Saskatchewan secured 5th place with a resounding 51-6 win over the National Indigenous team. Quarterback Ella Schenher put on a spectacular performance, rushing for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 9 carries. The National Indigenous team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly through wide receiver Taj-Marie Thompson, who caught 9 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown.
7th Place Playoff: Hosts New Brunswick Finish Strong
Host team New Brunswick ended their tournament on a high note, defeating Ontario Black 43-24 in the 7th place playoff. Running back Alexia Brazeau led New Brunswick with 171 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Ontario Black’s Paige Ryce had an impressive all-around game with 130 rushing yards and 132 receiving yards with 3 touchdown receptions.
Tournament Standouts
Several players made significant impacts throughout the tournament:
- Tegan Roy (Ontario Red): Consistent threat in the passing game, culminating in a 232-yard, 2-touchdown performance in the gold medal game.
- Ella Schenher (Saskatchewan): Dominated with her rushing ability, including a 267-yard, 2-touchdown game in the 5th place playoff.
- Doryanh Odige (Quebec): Key player in Quebec’s bronze medal run, with 165 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in the final game.
- Eden Gates (Manitoba): Showed consistency throughout the tournament, finishing with a strong 134-yard rushing performance in the bronze medal game.
- Alexia Brazeau (New Brunswick): Led the host team’s strong finish with 171 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in their final game.
MVP’s of the Tournament
Offensive
Ontario Red
WR – Teagan Roy
Defensive
National Indigenous Team
DB – Justice Berens
Special Teams
Saskatchewan
DB – Sienna Berns
The 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship has once again highlighted the growing depth of talent in women’s football across Canada. The level of play continues to improve year after year, with this tournament serving as a crucial platform for player development and exposure.
Final Standings:
- Ontario Red
- Alberta
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- National Indigenous
- New Brunswick
- Ontario Black
Full detailed stats and game play-by-play information can be found here.
About U18 Women’s National Championship: The U18 Women’s National Championship is a premier event in the Canadian football calendar, showcasing the best young female talent from across the country. This tournament serves as a crucial platform for player development and provides a pathway for athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels, including national team programs.
About Football Canada: Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada. Football Canada’s mission is to initiate, sustain, and encourage programs, services, and activities targeted at all levels of the game of football in Canada. The organization oversees various programs and competitions, including national championships, coach and official certification programs, and national team programs for tackle, flag, and touch football. Football Canada is committed to fostering the growth and development of football at all levels across the country.
About Football New Brunswick: Football New Brunswick is the provincial sport governing body for amateur football in New Brunswick. The organization is dedicated to promoting, developing, and governing all aspects of football within the province. Football New Brunswick works tirelessly to provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels of the sport. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to increase participation, improve the quality of play, and create a positive and inclusive football community throughout New Brunswick. As hosts of this year’s U18 Women’s National Championship, Football New Brunswick demonstrates its commitment to advancing women’s football and showcasing the province’s sporting capabilities on a national stage.
For more information about the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship, visit footballcanada.com or contact bstachel@footballcanada.com.
