The Maples Packers have many positives to build on this offseason.
After a two-win campaign last year, Maples would fall four points short of advancing to the finals of the Digicel Summer League, put on by the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association.
Packers head coach/lineman Shawn Pitterson states he is proud of his squad.
“I was very confident in my team-mates,” Pitterson said. “I enjoyed the season. We were a team that went from a few wins last season to the playoffs.”
The Packers would lose their postseason contest against the Club House Bulldogs 9-6 last Saturday at Ed Bush Field in West Bay. Club House now challenge reigning six-time champions the dms West Bay Hellcats, who took down the Burger King Panthers 7-6. The finals are set for this Saturday, 29 September, at Ed Bush at 4pm.
Maples ended their regular season campaign in fourth place at 7-5. The 2012 season would prove intriguing as the Packers enjoyed a five-game winning streak, beating every team except Perry Levy’s Hellcats.
The final statistics showed Maples had no trouble getting on the scoreboard, ranking fourth in offence with 186 points scored. On the other hand, they had the third-worst defence, allowing 139 points.
The team thrived on a mix of veteran players and newcomers. Rookie of the Year candidate Barrett Edri guided the side at quarterback, with 15 passing and a league-best seven rushing touchdowns. Edri connected often with targets like Leslie Harvey (who had a team-high 19 receptions), Will Peguero Jr and Christopher Bennett (both had the most touchdowns with four apiece).
On defence, Harvey had a team-high three interceptions. Davanni James had a team-best three sacks with Edison Jackson being the leading tackler with 36 tackles.
Pitterson states, regardless of the stats, he was pleased with the effort on both sides of the ball.
“I really did appreciate all of the hard work and dedication from our players during practice and games. We have improved with experienced players like Leslie, Will, Edison, centre Andrew Graham and lineman George Bustillo.
“Then we also had our talented young players like Rupert Whittaker, Chris, Deandre Simpson, Barrett, Jordan Cacho, Davanni, Jeffrey Robinson and Mike Fischetti.
“Our defensive line was very quick and aggressive and we had a good offensive line.”
Related Videos
