By Greg James

West Jordan - The Independent Women’s Football League team, the Utah Falconz, recently completed its second season. They dominated their opponents and made their first appearance in the IWFL world championship game.

The Falconz finished their 2015 season with nine wins and only one loss. The loss came to the defending world champion Pittsburgh Passion in the championship game, 41-37 in Rock Hill, S.C. on July 25. They led at halftime 24-20, but the Passion scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to take the lead. The Falconz could never make up the difference. The Falconz’ Facebook page called it the best women’s football game ever.

The Passion has won 22 straight games and this was their second consecutive championship.

The Falconz scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Louise Bean to Keeshya Cox with 1 minute, 59 seconds remaining in the game, but an onside kick failed and the Passion prevailed. Cox accounted for four of the team’s five touchdowns. She had two touchdown receptions, a 76-yard kickoff return and a 52-yard run, all for scores. She finished with 120 yards rushing on 16 carries and caught three passes for 41 yards.

The Falconz won the IWFL Western Conference championship game 73-0 over the Madison Blaze. Over 1000 fans filled the stands at Cottonwood High School to cheer on the team. 

The Falconz dominated their opponents during the regular season. Their average margin of victory was 62 points.  They play in the IWFL Mountain West Division. They faced the Nevada Storm, Colorado Freeze, Mile High Blaze and The Rocky Mountain Thunderkatz this season.

The IWFL was founded in 2000 and currently has over 1600 women playing for 36 teams across North America. The Falconz were founded in 2014.

 Volunteers coach the Falconz, and the players pay to play. Sponsors help to maintain the team and equipment. The head coach is Rick Rasmussen, a former high school head coach.

The team’s mascot, Felix the Falcon, has become an integral part of the local mascot community and Mascot Miracles Foundation that helps children who have severe or terminal illnesses.