About three months ago Rick Hurtt was simply just another Cox Lumber employee. Now he’s on one of the most remarkable runs in local flag football history.
Hurtt serves as head coach and offensive coordinator for the Cox Lumber Colts. In their inaugural season, the Colts advanced to the championship game of the Island Air Flag Football League. This Saturday, 1 October, the Ed Bush field in West Bay features Cox taking on reigning champions and current Cayman Islands Flag Football Association dynasty, the dms Hellcats.
Hurtt states his side will give the West Bay-based team a fight at 3pm.
“This week is our biggest challenge,” Hurtt said. “The Hellcats will get all they can handle from us. West Bay will have to bring it.”
Interestingly Hurtt is not only the Cox employee on the squad. Among the others are defensive coach Darell Johnson, third-string quarterback Dave Nielsen and player Dale Stoudt. Under the guidance of former Most Valuable Player and starting quarterback Kevin Solomon, all came together to produce an impressive debut.
Cox went through the regular season 7-5, good enough for second place in the West division. From there they took down last year’s finalists Burger King Panthers and East division champs the Doghouse Bulldogs in the playoffs (by identical 12-7 scores at that).
The team has been a nice mix of veteran play-makers and newcomers. Among the stars are former Hellcats Taj Haye and Chester Hurlston and ex-Maples Packer Andrew Frederick. Among the surprising role players are Jonny McLaughlin, Chris Duty and Mike Bird.
Hurtt states the journey has been an interesting one.
“This is my first year coaching. I have a background in American football and I’m originally a defensive mind. I’ve travelled a long way in being offensive and head coach.
“It’s just one of those things. We were hoping to gel together this year and reach the championship in a year or two. But the bench and our philosophies came together. We got solid as a team and now we can keep up with the big boys.”
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