Portland Combines Talent to Keep Winning Tradition

History of the Portland Fighting Shockwave

In 2001, a new football team took the field in Portland Oregon. The NFL wasn’t expanding, neither of Oregon or Oregon State were relocating, no, it was a women’s professional football team. Fifteen years later, the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) in conjunction with the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) and other women’s tackle leagues have grown to well over 100 teams across the country. Rebecca Dawson, founding owner of the Portland Shockwave leads the team on and off the field. Not only is she the current Co-Owner, along with Rebecca Brisson, she is also putting up impressive numbers as the running back for the renamed Portland Fighting Shockwave.

From 2003 to 2012, the Shockwave played in the IWFL where they finished .500 or better 7 of the 10 years, including an undefeated campaign in 2011. By 2010, the popularity in Portland grew enough that a second team, the Fighting Fillies, began operation in the WFA. When the Shockwave jumped to the WFA in 2013, both teams battled in the Pacific North Division, creating a crosstown rivalry in the league. The Fighting Fillies finished their first season 6-1, yet never got that far over .500 in their next 5 seasons. The Shockwave continued their winning ways in the WFA, having a winning record in each of its first three seasons.

Prior to the 2016 season, both teams combined to form the Portland Fighting Shockwave. “There had been vague talk of a merger between the two teams for a couple of years, but neither organization was ready for that move until the end of last season,” said owner Rebecca Dawson. “Both teams were low on roster numbers and it just made sense to combine our talents instead of continuing to dilute the player pool.” The combination of talents produced a great 2016 campaign for the Fighting Shockwave.

The Pacific North Champion Fighting Shockwave (photo credit: Portland Fighting Shockwave)

Undefeated Pacific North Champions

The Fighting Shockwave finished the regular season 8-0 in the Pacific North division, outscoring opponents on average 42-4. MyWSports asked Dawson if the team knew heading into the season that this would be as successful of a year, “I think we were all optimistic about the season, but there were also concerns going in. I think people were a little bit nervous about the dynamic and how well the players would mesh. Like I said we were optimistic … (but) a perfect regular season wasn't on the radar.”

Meshing didn’t seem to be an issue during the 2016 season. Holly Petrie, of the Fighting Fillies, and Veronica Ferguson, of the Shockwave, split time at the Quarterback position and neither had any problem hitting Wide Receivers Nicole Vilarino and Simone Shepherd, both of the Shockwave. The run game was even more dynamic, with Dawson from the Shockwave and Jessica Gerdes of the Fighting Fillies on the attack. In the end, the 2016 season was as much about chemistry as it was winning. “I think it's about all the players and plays big or small combined that produced this outcome”

Veronica Ferguson looking for an open receiver (photo credit: Portland Fighting Shockwave)

Solid plays, both big and small, are what make an undefeated season. Dawson was very modest, pointing out other teammate’s highlights, rather than her own. She led the team in rushing with 509 yards and 13 touchdowns. Dawson recalled the highlights of the season, “Our rookie tight end Casey Hilton catching a pass for her first touchdown or our amazing safety Simone Shepard, with a 97 yard interception return for a touchdown.” Dawson also highlighted two way player Nicole Vilarino, who was instrumental in the passing game, but it was her defense that sealed the deal this season, securing an interception late in the last regular season game against the Seattle Majestics giving the Fighting Shockwave their 8th win of the season.

The Fighting Shockwave received the 2nd seed in the Pacific bracket because the Central Cal War Angels also finished undefeated and got a first round bye. Portland hosted the 3rd seed Pacific Warriors, who had lost 2 games during the regular season, both to the War Angels. Unfortunately, Portland came up just short in a thrilling 14-7 game.

MyWSports asked Dawson what the team will learn from that close playoff game to apply to next year? “I think it was a reality check for a lot of the rookies. Yes, we are a good team, but there are other teams out there that are good as well. It was a good game and we were in it until the end. I think it was a good reminder that you have to work hard for 4 solid quarters to win big games. It was also a testament that we can compete with teams from California and the east coast. Yes they beat us, but it was a good hard fought game and they had to work for the win.”

The Leader On and Off the Field

Dawson has not only been the leader organizationally, but she’s been a leader on the field since day one. Growing up, Dawson played softball and ran track, probably where she obtained her quickness, a strength for a Running Back. Dawson is a natural competitor, she told MyWSports “I love the sport. I love the physical aspect of the game. As an adult you can't get this level of competition in very many places.”

Dawson dives in for TD (photo by Nathan Kimmel)

Analogous to her softball playing days, Dawson appreciations the team aspect of football. “I also love the way you have to work as a unit to accomplish anything in this sport. I get fired up by my fuel to be better than the opposing team, by breaking a tackle or winning a one on one battle, by watching my teammate get an interception or lay a big hit on another player.” Dawson continues to be a key player in the success of the Fighting Shockwave, on and off the field.

The Fighting Shockwave finished the regular season undefeated, but it will be the close playoff loss which will drive them to be better next year. With the belief that they can compete with the best, they will be a force to be reckoned with next year. Not only in the Pacific North, but along the entire west coast.

Follow Kyle Wescott on Twitter @MHSWescott