Parity might be the biggest stumbling block for the Androgroup Killa-Panthers.
The reigning women’s champions are aiming for a second consecutive national title as the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association begins its women’s league playoffs for the 2014 Digicel Premier League. The Ed Bush field in West Bay will host a pair of postseason matches on Sept. 20. Five other sides – Domino’s Lynx, Anytime Fitness Wolverines, Zulu Warriors, Lady Sharks and CrossFit 7Mile Scorpions – are vying to knock the Killa-Panthers off their throne, and they all have the talent and impact players to accomplish that feat.
Association president Maggie Ebanks says the balance of power in the league makes Androgroup’s repeat bid tough.
“What has stood out to me about the league this year? It’s been that any team that comes out and plays hard can affect and win a game,” Ebanks said. “We have seen a few unexpected wins, losses and draws that can only be explained by that. The season has also proved that anything can happen and that teams should not be taken for granted. Lastly, this season has continued to live up to the statement that we are the fastest growing sport on island. New faces, new teams are something we are continuing to see and we hope the trend continues with each league we have.”
On Saturday, the No. 3 seed Wolverines face the No. 6 seed Scorpions at 11 a.m. before the No. 4 seed Warriors and No. 5 seed Sharks do battle at 2:30 p.m. Anytime Fitness were 6-3-3 during the regular season behind the likes of Jahzenia Thomas, Nekita Saintvil and Agueda Blake. CrossFit were 6-6 featuring Cassandra Bodden, Jessica Pawlik and Tamika Byrd. Zulu had a 6-1-5 mark, thanks to Dionne Whittaker, Sheyla Torres and Tanjana Campbell while the Lady Sharks were 6-6 with Scimone Campbell, Bobeth O’Garro and Ivanna Powery.
Androgroup is the No. 2 seed at 7-2-3 behind Christina Hefner, Alicia Dixon and Shari Seymour while Domino’s sport the No. 1 seed at 9-1-2, thanks to Saneata Smith, Alex Terry and Lolita Hanna. Both the Killa-Panthers and the Lynx have first round byes and march into battle on Sept. 27. The final is on Oct. 4.
Out of that group, Domino’s would seem to be early favorites based on current form. The Lynx ended their season with a convincing 12-6 win over Androgroup and sport the league’s best defense – which allowed a competition-low 38 points behind the likes of fan favorite Danielle Connolly.
Ebanks says the Lynx and Wolverines will be teams to watch in the final weeks.
“Who are the some of the teams and players to note? Keisha Solomon from the Lynx stepped up into a position that isn’t her normal spot and has done exceptionally well in it. Yes, she’s thrown some interceptions as every other quarterback has, but there is a dynamic difference in that team when she is on the field.
“Biannca Johnson from the Wolverines is small, but she’s quick. Don’t miss her flag because you probably won’t catch her. However, she’s also able to throw the ball so when catching the ball behind the line of scrimmage, don’t count her arm out as a possibility.”
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