The officials were very cautious when making calls. (Photo by Mwangi Ngamate)

By Mwangi Ngamate
mwangi@caymannetnews.com

Goldfield West Bay Hellcats are back with a vengeance as the new champions of flag football this year after flooring Doghouse Bulldogs 13- 6 in overtime, in a championship game played at the Ed Bush Stadium West Bay on Saturday 19 October.

The game reflected a titanic struggle between the two teams and each looked for all the support that it could muster. The Hellcats have done what they did in 2003, 2005, 2007 and now 2009.

Initially the Hellcats team suffered setbacks, but they were able to put their house together and had a well-oiled war machine that made them victorious.

As usual a championship game had its incidents and somebody from the terraces blew a whistle. When the officials inquired from Dog House supporters, the former pointed to Hellcats fans. The security was promptly informed and this was short-lived, the game went on well with both teams scoring touchdowns.

Goldfield were the first to advance taking down Maples Packers 12-0. Goldfield played as disciplined a game as they had all year in keeping the upstart Maples squad from thinking upset. Frecko Ebanks in the semifinal game kept things cool on the offensive side for Goldfield and the defense shut down Maples’ offense never letting them get untracked.

To reach the finals, Dog House came back from an early deficit to squeeze by Hammerheads 12-6. Dog House had been led by John Pump’s two touchdown catches as the Dog House offense had to work and made the most of Johnny Mack’s six completions on the way to the final. Mack finished 6 of 13 passing with an interception to go along with the 2 touchdown passes.

In the final game, both teams illustrated good sportsmanship and despite the nerves that normally accompany a championship game there were no incidents between the players.