During a recent practice at the Columbus PAAL fields, the Columbus Vanguards prepared to run the ball, as they did more than 100 times in their first season.
Offensive coordinator Drew Parsley called an audible for a pass play instead. The play went for a touchdown.
The Vanguards hope that plays like that foreshadow the offense’s success this season. That’s why they shifted Parsley to offensive coordinator after spending last season as its defensive coordinator.
The Vanguards open their season Saturday, hosting the Wisconsin Dragons at 7 p.m. at Knightstown High School, the team’s home field.
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Under Parsley’s aggressive leadership last season, the Vanguards were the top defensive unit in Tier III of the Women’s Football Alliance, yielding only 12.8 points per game. But, the offense scored only 11.6 points per contest.
Even though they made the playoffs in their initial season, the Vanguards know they must improve the offense to become consistent winners. They are also confident that Parsley is the coach to do it.
“He has an intense guy who has a lot of good ideas,” Vanguards co-owner and free safety Brittany Langley said. “He’s the heartbeat of our team because he is so enthusiastic, and he knows exactly what to say before a game to motivate our players.”
Because of his passion, the team has nicknamed the copper-headed coordinator “Red Hawk.”
“Last year, our opponents knew from watching film of us that we loved to run the ball,” Parsley said. “We want to throw the ball more this season.”
Last year, opponents knew the Vanguards’ favorite play was to hand the ball off to Tyra McGrady. The former Columbus East track star scored seven touchdowns and gained 660 yards on a whopping 110 carries.
Expect to see some creative plays from the team this season, like a play package that features an option for a halfback pass, called the Columbus Special.
But none of those gadget plays matter unless quarterback Valerie Rios gets time to throw to tight end Elise Stevens and wide receivers Bethanie Barber and McKenzie Dye. That’s the job of Katie Collins and her teammates on the Vanguards offensive line. That’s why the line personifies the team’s slogan, “I’ve got your back.”
“I have to stay low and make contact with the opponent and explode off the line first,” Collins said. “I want to protect Valerie because she’s my teammate, and I have her back. If it’s a running play, I open a hole for Tyra McGrady. If it’s a pass, I keep the defense from pressuring Valerie. I’m a soft-hearted person, but when I get into the pads and helmet, I’m a different person.”
Players must be at least 18 to play for the Vanguards, but people of all ages can dress like one during a fundraising event called "Play Like a Vanguard Day" from 1-3 p.m. April 27 at the PAAL Fields. There will be a punt, pass and kick contest, and people can have photos taken in a Vanguard uniform and run through drills. Participants must sign a waiver.
Fans can follow the team on Twitter, @Cbus Vanguards and search, “Columbus Vanguards” to find the team’s Facebook page.
The Vanguards this season will have staff from Select Physical Therapy to help with their medical needs during games.
“Play like a Vanguard Day is going to be an important day for us,” Parsley said. “We need to show the young girls of Columbus that this is a team they can look up to. Columbus is our home, and we want to play our home games here next year at one of the high schools or the PAAL fields.”
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The Columbus Vanguards 2019 schedule (home games are at Knightstown High School):
Saturday;vs. Wisconsin Dragons;7 p.m.
April 13;at Grand Rapids Tidal Wave;7 p.m.
April 20;vs. Capital City Savages;7 p.m.
May 4;at Toledo Reign;7 p.m.
May 18;vs. Cincinnati Sizzle;7 p.m.
May 25;vs. Toledo Reign;7 p.m.
June 1;at Music City Misfits;7 p.m.
June 8;at St. Louis Slam;7 p.m.
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