For the Doghouse Bulldogs, 2011 was about overcoming adversity to maintain its standing in flag football.
Doghouse dealt with the loss of top quarterback Jon Mack, the arrival of many rookie players and the transition to a pass-oriented offence in stride. The result was the East division crown in the Island Air Flag Football League (organized by the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association) with an 8-4 record and a spot in the semi-finals taking place this Saturday, 24 September at the Ed Bush Field in West Bay.
Long-serving offensive lineman Jeff Alban, who has been with Doghouse seven years, states the upheaval was a positive.
“I’ve been with this team from time we were playing at Outpost Road in George Town,” Alban said. “We used to be sponsored by Aqua beach and Next Level. We have had a big turnaround and transition in key areas like quarterback. Our starter Chris Spigner is injured and might not play on Saturday. Nevertheless we’ve done well with all of the new players.”
Mack, who guided Doghouse to consecutive championship game appearances in 2008 and 2009, was lost early in the season due to injury. The result was the introduction of QB tandem Dave Velez and Spigner. The duo would handle an offence that relied on its passing to rack up a league-best 197 points while team captain Todd Hazlewood and pass rusher Kevin Zimmer would steady a defence that allowed 98 points (third fewest in the league). The roster would end up featuring about eight new players. Alban states a pair of rookies should feature in the semis.
“Scott Murray has been in and out of the line-up. We’re hoping he’ll make it out and contribute. Jyoti Choi is a key defensive player for us all year. He’s also done some kick returns. He has lightning speed and is a great addition for us.”
The only thing standing in the way of a finals berth is the Cox Lumber Colts at 5pm this Saturday. The Colts are fresh off a rugged 12-7 victory over the Burger King Panthers in the opening round last week. Alban, whose Bulldogs have been resting due to a first round bye, states Doghouse can win with healthy veteran players.
“Cox are a solid all-around team. They beat us in the last minute of the last game we played. For us the most important thing is to keep errors to a minimum. It was a high-scoring game last time. Because it’s a playoff game, there should be less scoring. I expect the top team to win 14-7.
“We’re two weeks away from ending the season. Will the bye hurt us? No, I don’t think so. Our main worry is injury and we’re grateful for the rest. Compared to most teams, we’re really old.”
While Doghouse is an established name in the sport, Cox Lumber are newcomers. So far the side has made a big impact in their rookie campaign; placing second in the West division at 7-5, scoring 197 points (tied with Doghouse for the most in the league) and clinching a semis berth. One of the key players on the team is two-way star Brad Conolly, who admits all of the sudden success is impressive.
“This is my seventh year in the league and my first year with this team,” Conolly said. “The Colts are brand new to the league and surprised teams with what we could do. I’m a little surprised to be honest. The goal at first was to just make the playoffs but we saw we could do more. Now we’re really expecting to win it all and it would be a disappointment not to win.
“With Doghouse their main threat is Jon Pump. Our focus is getting to the quarterback and taking him out of the game. Their run game is not that strong but they have lots of good receivers. Spigner is a good quarterback but word on the street is he won’t play. In our first game this season they got like 18 points in the first half, they had none in the second half and we won in over-time.
“I’m expecting the same thing on Saturday: a good, tight game. They’re a completely different team from Burger King. The Panthers like to ground and pound while the Bulldogs are skilful and take chances throwing the ball down field. Doghouse are a talented, well-prepared team but we’re expecting a 14-0 shutout, nothing less.”
Conolly is one of a number of veteran player on the squad. The other stars include Taj Haye, Chester Hurlston and Andrew Frederick while the likes of Marcus Cumber and Celester Anderson are essential role players. Conolly states other veterans deserve props.
“The Burger King game was very physical. They ran the ball and stuck to the run. There was a little scuffle on the last play of the game involving Rhys Ebanks. I went in to break it up. The flag football association executive board are going to meet to decide on a suspension. Considering no punches were thrown, Rhys and I should be playing.
“With Rhys this year, he has emerged as an offensive talent who led the league in touchdowns. He’s been known as a defensive player over the years. Jeff Wight is an underdog that doesn’t get much recognition. He’s our defensive captain and determines our plays for us.
“Remember we’re three different ideologies coming together with guys from Maples, Hellcats, Calabash and the old Stingers squad on the team. Overall we have a lot of weapons and we intend to use them. That’s our plan.”
Though the Doghouse-Cox should be a solid contest, clearly the game of the week is a rivalry showdown between the Calabash Soldiers and dms Hellcats. Conolly, a former Calabash player, states he doesn’t see an upset there.
“It’s a toss-up because any team can win. Calabash has a good quarterback who takes chances and Leslie Harvey is a good play-maker. But dms have the advantage with their run game and they have the best chance to win with that. I was out injured last year and Calabash was my team all along. I would love a Calabash match-up in the finals to have a storybook ending to the season but I don’t see it.”
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