Texas Elite Spartans Edge Washington Prodigy 21–19 in IX Cup Classic Live on ESPN2

FRISCO, TX — Under the bright lights of ESPN2 and with thousands of fans packed into Ford Center at The Star, the Texas Elite Spartans cemented their legacy yet again grinding out a 21–19 victory over the Washington Prodigy in the 2025 WNFC IX Cup Championship Game.

In a contest that delivered everything fans could ask for, big plays, defensive grit, emerging stars, and a heart-stopping finish, the Spartans captured their fifth WNFC title, reinforcing their dynasty status in front of a national television audience.

Opening Fireworks: Trading Blows Early

The Spartans wasted no time setting the tone, marching 75 yards in six plays on the opening drive. Quarterback Michelle Angel launched a 50-yard strike to wide receiver Summer McNeal for the game’s first score, Texas' longest drive of the day and a highlight-worthy moment in the early minutes.

Washington answered right back. QB Ashley Clark led a 5-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a touchdown to Rookie of the Year candidate Shaquanda Gainey, who later received the award at the WNFC Championship Breakfast. Her 40-yard run electrified the crowd and signaled that the Prodigy weren’t going quietly.

What followed was a tightly contested first quarter, with both teams digging into their identities: Texas relying on its punishing run game, Washington leaning on Clark’s aerial attack.

Momentum Swings and Defensive Brilliance

The Spartans struck again in the second quarter, this time on the ground. A physical drive led by Destanie Yarbrough set up Ashley McBay’s 2-yard sweep for a touchdown.

After the Prodigy drove deep into Spartans territory, a red zone stand, anchored by two sacks from defensive end Waynicia Thomas, forced a turnover on downs.

Texas responded immediately with a brilliant two-minute drill led by Angel. A diving 25-yard catch by Maria Jackson set up a 12-yard scoring run by Yarbrough, sending the Spartans into the half with a commanding 21–6 lead.

A Halftime Show Fit for the Stage

Presented by Glenhouse, the IX Cup Halftime Show matched the magnitude of the moment. Bow Wow lit up the arena with a medley of hits, while DJ Hollyhood Bay Bay kept the crowd of thousands on their feet, providing a soundtrack for one of the most thrilling championship atmospheres in women's football history.

The Comeback: Washington’s Second-Half Surge

Receiving the second-half kickoff, Washington mounted a long drive sparked by another highlight-reel catch from Gainey. Floor secured her second TD of the game on a back-shoulder fade from Clark to cut the score to 21–13.

From there, Washington’s defense locked in, holding the Spartans scoreless in the second half and limiting their rushing attack to just 67 yards. With repeated stops and clutch defensive play, the Prodigy gave their offense the window it needed.

Clark, unfazed by pressure, orchestrated another drive late in the fourth quarter. Mackenzie Vest made a key catch, and Floor capped it with her third TD of the game.

Final Stand: Spartans Close the Door

The Prodigy got one last shot. With 2:45 left and the ball on their own 24, Clark converted a crucial third-down strike to Vest before a holding penalty slowed momentum. Then Gainey made yet another sensational grab to push Washington into Spartans territory with just over a minute to go.

On what would be the final play of the drive, Clark targeted Gainey one last time, but Spartans defensive back Shantia Creech read the play perfectly, intercepting the pass to seal the victory.

As the final seconds ticked away, the Spartans took a knee and secured another chapter in their storied history, this time, on national television, in front of thousands of roaring fans.

A Weekend Powered by Purpose-Driven Partners

This year’s WNFC IX Cup Championship wasn’t just a game, it was a statement. A declaration of what the future of women’s sports looks like when talent, visibility, and investment align.

This broadcast of the WNFC IX Cup Championship and the entire Championship Weekend experience was brought to life by a powerhouse lineup of partners who believe in the power of women’s football and the future being built on and off the field.

• Dove, a global leader in promoting self-esteem, continued its commitment to girls' confidence through its support of the Got Her Back Body Confident Sport Clinics and national advertising during the ESPN2 broadcast.

• adidas, the official on-field apparel sponsor of the WNFC, provided elite performance gear for athletes and supported the Varsity Top 100 Girls Flag Tournament, helping outfit the next generation of stars.

• Riddell Sports, the official helmet partner of the WNFC, stood behind the athletes, literally ensuring their safety as they push the sport forward.

• Glenhouse, presenting sponsor of the halftime and pregame entertainment, helped deliver an unforgettable show, bringing energy and excitement to the thousands in attendance.

• William Grant & Sons, the official spirits partner of the weekend, added elevated hospitality and celebration to the mix throughout the championship festivities.

• Hachette Book Group helped make the Championship Breakfast and Distinguished Women in Leadership Awards possible, celebrating the women who lead both on the field and in the boardroom.

• The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and New Era Cap played a key role in expanding the reach of girls’ football by supporting the Varsity Top 100 and Got Her Back initiatives, spotlighting future stars.

• And GLD, delivering walk-in gold for WNFC’s athletes, made sure our championship teams and All-Pros arrived in style.

In a first for the league, sponsors like adidas, Dove, Glenhouse, and Riddell also ran national commercials live during the ESPN2 broadcast, cementing their investment not only in the event but in the visibility of women’s football as a commercial property.

Most notably, the WNFC debuted its flagship national campaign, "Football Looks Like THIS," during the live broadcast, marking a powerful moment of representation, redefining what football looks like on the biggest stage.

Final Stats

Texas Elite Spartans

• QB Michelle Angel: 9/19, 141 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

• RB Destanie Yarbrough: 21 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD

• WR Summer McNeal: 2 rec, 73 yards, 1 TD

• Defense: 3 sacks (2 by Wanicia Thomas), 1 INT (Creech), 5 TFL

Washington Prodigy

• QB Ashley Clark: 25/51, 387 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

• WR Kathryn Floor: 3 rec, 60 yards, 2 TD

• WR Shaquanda Gainey: 5 rec, 77 yards, 1 TD

• Defense: 4 punts forced, 67 rush yards allowed in 2nd half

The Legacy Grows

The 2025 IX Cup will be remembered not only for the level of play but for the moment it represented, a landmark WNFC event broadcast live on ESPN2, filled with fans, culture, and championship energy. The Texas Elite Spartans proved once again why they are the standard, while the Washington Prodigy, in their first championship appearance, made a national statement that they belong.

Women’s football has arrived, and the world is finally watching.