The Regina Riot open the 2021 Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL) mini-season against the Saskatoon Valkyries this weekend.
And, Yorkton’s Kasey McCombs is hoping to see action at running back in her first game with the Riot.
McCombs said it was a big thrill just to get the invite to play for the Riot.
“I was super excited when they asked me to come play with them,” she told Yorkton This Week, adding she had hoped to continue playing football after high school and the invitation allowed that.
McCombs, who just graduated from Sacred Heart High School in the city, and played with the Lady Gridders, said she knew about the Riot before the invite.
“I did know about them. I actually went to see some of their games, so it was really exciting when they asked me to come play,” she said.
McCombs, who plans to attend the University of Saskatchewan is currently still in Yorkton, travelling to Regina for practices and the upcoming string of three games the Riot will play.
With graduation, and a few games with the Lady Gridders, McCombs has only taken in a couple of practices with the Riot, but noted it’s a big step up in play.
With the Lady Gridders McCombs admitted the playbook for running backs was pretty simple, but it has gotten significantly more complicated with the Riot.
“I was scared when I first looked at all the plays,” she said, fearing she wouldn’t be able to learn everything she would be expected to know.
But, things are working out so far.
While noting “there’s a whole bunch of running backs” with the Riot, so she probably won’t be starting in game one she has been told to expect playing time.
“They’re (the coaches) impressed how quickly I can pick up on things and run the plays,” said McCombs.
Still hitting the field for game one will be a big step.
“I am very terrified,” said McCombs, who added a coach has told her “there’s no reason to be terrified” because everyone is starting with limited practices and has limited playing time the past year.
In that regard McCombs said she is lucky to have had some spring games with the Yorkton Lady Gridders.
“I got to play some football. I got hit,” she said, adding that helps her be ready for the Riot.
So, why the love of football?
“I just love being part of a team. It’s a good feeling knowing other people have your back,” offered McCombs.
Kickoff for the game is at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 10 at Leibel Field in Regina.
Due to current provincial restrictions, attendance at Leibel Field on Saturday night is limited to 150 people.
The 2020 WWCFL season was cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the last time these two teams met was in the 2019 league final, won 25-3 by Saskatoon.
“We’ve waited two long years for a rematch with the Valkyries,” said Riot head coach Kris Hadesbeck in a recent release. “We know they’ll be a talented and well-coached group, but we like our team as well. We’ve been working hard, as I’m sure our opponents have too, so we expect this to be a competitive, physical showcase for women’s football in our province.”
The Valkyries will host the Riot the following weekend (July 16) at Saskatoon’s SMF Field.
The winner of the two-game series (based on total points for/against) will host the third game in the mini-season on July 25 (time/location TBD).
