In the world of flag football, one of the most intense rivalries is between the Calabash Soldiers and the dms Hellcats. This weekend the squads write the next chapter in the saga.
Both sides take part in the semi-finals of the Island Air Flag Football League, put on by the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association. The Ed Bush field in West Bay is slated to host the clash at 3.30pm this Saturday, 24 September.
One of the big aspecs of the rivalry is Calabash head coach Johann Moxam. After guiding the side to a championship in 2008 at the Hellcats’ expense, Moxam feels his side have a solid chance at an upset.
“I have a lot of respect for the Hellcats,” Moxam said. “They have proven to be the most dominant team in the history of flag football. Their record this year is fantastic. We respect them but we don’t fear them either. This week is a test, it’s a bout between the two most talented teams in the league this year. We won it in ‘08, we won it in ‘05 (which a lot of people don’t know about). It’s going to be a good battle. We match-up well against them and we look forward to the challenge.”
Hellcats are the defending champions and reigning dynasty of the league after winning five titles in the last six years. Stalwarts of their success include a juggernaut run game, a stout defence featuring pass rusher Damian ‘Beast’ Barboram and ironman quarterback Jacob ‘Frecko’ Ebanks. This season all of those factors lead to dms having the best record at 11-1 and the top defence with only 69 points allowed. Moxam feels the key to pulling off an upset is thwarting the Hellcats offence.
“We have to put pressure on Frecko and limit their offensive chances. But we have to limit their offensive rhythm because with time they will kill you. Also Clay Coleman is a super talented receiver for them and he’s good in any sport he goes into. Their offensive line doesn’t get the credit they deserve. Barry Bush is the best lineman in the league. We just need to match them in the physical battle. They’re well-organized, well composed and again though we respect them we don’t fear them.”
For their part the Hellcats are not phased about the showdown. The side boasts a new impact player in tight end Kevin Maxwell and rumour has it that former great wide-out Perry Levy will be flying in from Hong Kong to play. Offensive lineman Adrean Russell states though the rivalry is legit, dms is well aware that they have the advantage.
“This rivalry is very real and is the longest running rivalry in flag football history,” Russell said. “We bring out the best in each other and I believe both teams enjoy the competition.
Both teams add new faces each year but we make it clear to the newcomers that these rivalry games are the games we circle on the schedule each year.
“We won two of our five championships against Calabash, who have changed sponsors and names (but their core has remained the same) over the years. If we are to write the history books again by going for a third championship in a row, it is only fitting that we have to go through them to get that opportunity. As our head coach George ‘Teddy’ Hydes says, I can’t wait. I think the difference in Saturday’s game will be which team plays more as a cohesive unit.”
Calabash come into Saturday’s contest fresh off a 13-0 victory over the Hammerheads Pirates in the opening round last week. The victory is an upset of sorts as Hammerheads were second in the East division at 7-5 while Calabash had a modest 6-6 mark in third place in the West division. Moxam states the regular season record should be thrown aside in evaluating his team.
“We were inconsistent in the regular season. Truth be told, the record didn’t do the talent on our team justice. Our record just doesn’t reflect the level of talent on the team. We didn’t focus the way we like. The question we have is do you want to be the team with talent or the one that brings home the trophy? In the playoffs winning is what matters. I’m disappointed in our poor regular season record but all that matters is the playoffs.
“Against the Pirates our O-line was key. They gave Glenn (Duran, the starting quarterback) time in the pocket. The Pirates game was probably his best showing in a flag football association uniform. The soul of the team offensively starts with Glenn. We need a good, solid performance out of Glenn.
“To be clear Luigi Moxam will be there on Saturday. He’s a key member of the team and is committed to playing for us as a wide receiver, linebacker and quarterback. He wants to win like everyone else but Glenn has earned the right to start. He demonstrated that against the Pirates.”
For all of the hype and attention on their contest, Moxam has a watchful eye on the Doghouse-Cox Lumber game. He feels the chances of the Colts making the finals are slim.
“Our game should be low-scoring. All of our games have been low-scoring and I don’t see that changing. It will be a battle in the trenches that comes down to whoever dictates the pace, dominates the trenches and makes the most plays.
“The Doghouse-Cox game should be a good battle. It’s between two teams trying to win the game and play the game the right way. Cox might have a big disadvantage without Brad Conolly and Rhys Ebanks. However that’s what happens with a lack of discipline.
“Ultimately it has been a long regular season and we’re at the point we’ve all been playing towards. You can talk as much as you want but talk is cheap. In the playoffs it’s put up or shut up. I look forward to doing our part to sending the Hellcats home and I’m confident we can do so.”
.jpg)
Related Videos
