National Indigenous goes back to back, beating host New Brunswick 22-20 in a come-from-behind thriller at the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship
Photo Credits: Paul Jordan Photography
July 25, 2024, Fredericton, NB – In a thrilling comeback victory, the National Indigenous team defeated host New Brunswick 22-20 in Game 8 of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship at BMO Centre in Fredericton, NB, on Thursday evening.
The game was a tale of two halves, with New Brunswick dominating early before the National Indigenous team mounted an impressive second-half rally. This victory improves the National Indigenous team’s record to 2-0, while host New Brunswick falls to 0-2 in the tournament.
New Brunswick started strong, with Alexia Brazeau scoring on runs of 34 and 94 yards in the first half. Combined with a safety, this gave New Brunswick a commanding 14-0 lead at halftime.
The National Indigenous team came alive in the third quarter. Aurora McCutcheon capped off a 9-play, 58-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Shortly after, Taj-Marie Thompson electrified the crowd with a 26-yard punt return for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.
New Brunswick quickly responded with Jana McAllister’s 77-yard touchdown run, but failed on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 20-14.
The fourth quarter belonged to the National Indigenous team. Aurora McCutcheon connected with Taj-Marie Thompson on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 3:11 remaining in the game. Justice Berens’ successful extra point gave the National Indigenous team their first lead and ultimately the 22-20 victory.
Taj-Marie Thompson was the standout performer for the National Indigenous team, with 9 receptions for 175 yards and a touchdown, plus the crucial punt return touchdown. Aurora McCutcheon completed 10 of 13 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for a score.
For New Brunswick, Alexia Brazeau led the charge with 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 9 carries. Jana McAllister added 122 rushing yards and a touchdown on 8 attempts.
Defensively, Justice Berens led the National Indigenous team with 8 solo tackles, 3 assists, a sack, and 3 tackles for loss. For New Brunswick, Lexi Braund was a force with 11 solo tackles, 6 assists, 2 sacks, and 6 tackles for loss.
The game showcased contrasting styles, with New Brunswick relying heavily on their ground game (268 rushing yards) while the National Indigenous team found success through the air (203 passing yards). The National Indigenous team also dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for 32:27 compared to New Brunswick’s 15:33.
MVP’s of the Game
National Indigenous
Offensive
WR – Taj-Marie Thompson
Defensive
DB – Justice Berens
New Brunswick
Offensive
RB – Alexia Brazeau
Defensive
DL – Lexi Braund
Full detailed stats and game play-by-play information can be found here.
National Indigenous will now play for 5th, while New Brunswick will regroup and look to secure 7th place.
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.
