Wolverines’ roar silences Lynx

RedStripe Wolverines talk this over Monday night with their Coach Adrean Russell.

Week 3’s hottest showdown in the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association (CIFFA) Premier League was on Monday night under the lights at the Annex field. The ladies of the RedStripe Wolverines faced off against the GreenHouse Lynx, who finished second is last year’s Premier League.

Adding veterans Keisha Solomon and Shakira Davis, and another speedster Kayla Robinson to their finals caliber roster, the Lynx posed a powerhouse stature on the field and were determined to pull out a win. 

Driving the Lynx squad was Erica Bosch, who controlled the team from the quarterback position on offense, and through key throws and designed run plays managed to do her part in helping her team move the ball. Known for their hunger and resilience, the defense of the Wolverines wouldn’t back down on any challenge in front of them. Nekita Saintvil, Amber Watson, Maya Grant and Antoinette Lewis were amongst the Wolverines who caused havoc for the Lynx offensive line by rushing relentlessly.

Feeding off their energy was Agueda Blake, who in the running back position, found the holes her team needed. In the second half, Shenel Gall of the Lynx would find the end zone, putting the Lynx on the board first. The touchdown seemed to be a breath of relief for the Lynx team, as the Wolverines controlled the pace for most of the game. That breath of relief would be cut should though, as Wolverines rookie player, Anahi Zavala, would give it all for her team as she fell to the ground catching a deflected pass as a touchdown. Adding the icing to the cake was Ameilia Gillispie, who would secure the extra point that put the Wolverines on top, and the game would finish shortly after at 7-6 in their favor.

Glenita Logan of HSM Vipers runs back an interception.

“It was a tough game for the most part as both teams capitalized on the other’s mistakes, but we put it all together and responded when it mattered the most. Great to see the ladies playing as one and working hard for each other. It’s a good feeling to even the series with Lynx at 1-1 for the season, looking forward to seeing them again,” said Wolverines Head Coach Adrean Russell.

Two days earlier, the action was at Ed Bush with the summer heat in full force.  Starting the day was the defending champs, the HSM Vipers, who faced off against the Tribe Tattoo Lady Sharks. It was evident early that both team’s defenses came to play. Led by quarterback Anya Edun, the Lady Sharks did their best to find the open spots on the field. Vipers corner Glenita Logan would help deny completions, as she would nab 2 interceptions out of the air. Lisa Malice, quarterback for the Vipers, would connect for 3 touchdowns during game regulation, with players like Ericia Burke doing her part with key blocks on run plays. The game would end 20-7 in favor of the Vipers.

On Saturday, 27 July, the Lady Sharks face off against the RedStripe Wolverines at 2:30pm, with the HSM Vipers meeting the Maples Jaguars at 5:15pm. Despite falling to the Greenhouse Lynx in the second women’s game on Saturday, the Jaguars have been having a great season. Their first two games have gone to overtime, one resulting in a win over the Lady Sharks, and the other was against the Vipers. Having a number of new players to their roster, along with the addition of some veterans, we’ve been excited seeing the things this team is doing and will continue to do.

On the men’s side, Saturday brought matchups of seasoned veterans against the energetic youngsters. Facing off against the defending champs, the Burger King Panthers, the players of Maples knew what they were up against, but didn’t seem fazed. Leading the Maples offense was Deontae Andrews Jr., who is a standout player that has transitioned from the Youth League. Andrews was able to drive the ball down the field with composure for the better part of the match.  The Panthers however were able find the endzone in the first half with QB Brendon Malice displaying patience in the pocket.  In the second half with things heating up, and the Panthers holding on to a one score lead at 14-6, the Maples offense came knocking at the door, with a drive that took them into a the RedZone but was stalled by a tackle made by Andrew Frederick at the 1-yard line, keeping Maples out of the endzone and sealing the 14-6 victory for the Panthers.

Miller Lite Hellcats and Uncle Clem’s Wolves face off.

In the Final matchup of the day, the Miller Lite Hellcats took the field against the Uncle Clem’s Wolves. With the Hellcats looking for their first win of the season, and the Wolves coming in at 1-1 on the season, both teams were extra hungry for the win.  After a few series of strong defense from both teams, the Hellcats were able to find the endzone first with a touchdown pass to veteran receiver Perry Levy.  The Wolves were then able to respond on defense with an interception by Peter Whittaker that was returned for a touchdown, giving the Wolves a 7-6 lead.  The Hellcats responded well in the second half with a strong defensive effort, registering multiple sacks and putting up two more touchdowns to seal their first win of the season with a 20-7 victory.

On Saturday, 27 July, the Uncle Clem’s Wolves face off against the Burger King Panthers at 1:00pm and Maples take on the Miller Lite Hellcats at 3:45pm.

In addition to the regular Premier League, CIFFA is currently running a development league on Monday nights after the Premier League game. Here players that are new to the sport or would like to work on their individual levels can come out for games.

“It was great to see new and familiar faces wanting to improve their football skills!  We encourage players to keep coming out and help us build the Development League. This is a new initiative to the sport and we feel it is a key part to not only growing the talent, but keep the competitive level growing for years to come,” said Women’s Vice President Jennifer Cotarelo-Choice.

The action continues at Ed Bush starting at 1:00pm.

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