Sharks and Wolverines start season with wins

(GCFFA): Adrenaline was pumping, nerves were fluttering, and camaraderie was flowing at last Saturday’s opening season games for the women’s league of the Grand Cayman Flag Football Association.  In the first game, Hammerhead’s Lady Sharks defeated Lone Star Jager Monsters 26-6. Quarterback for Lady Sharks, Bobeth O’Garro, completed nine out of twenty passing attempts, with team captain Scimone Campbell and Sophia Foster each catching a touchdown pass. Campbell also caught a long ball and sprinted an impressive 50 plus yards, adding to the score.

The Sharks bit into the Monsters early in the game with Kathy Miller’s interception that was run in for a touchdown. The Monsters were again stopped in the second half, near the goal line with a second interception by Miller. Miller led the Sharks’ defense with three tackles. Ellen Downey also took a turn at quarterback, with five pass attempts of which two were intercepted by Monsters’ players Christine Bisnauth and Erica Bosch-Bone respectively.

The Lone Star Jager Monsters have a new quarterback this year, Michelle McTaggart, one of the team’s captains. McTaggart, having been a center and receiver the past three years, has stepped up to fill the quarterback position. Although McTaggart completed only six out of eighteen pass attempts, her calm demeanor on the field will prove valuable once she gains a bit more experience in her new role as quarterback.

Despite struggling in their offense, the Monsters managed to score in the second half with a
touchdown pass caught by Renee Thompson. The Monster’s defensive star was Christina Hefner with five tackles, followed by Kayleigh Jennings with two tackles.

The second game saw Dominoes Wolverines defeat the Andro Killa-Panthers 19-0. The Wolverines’ quarterback, Antoinnette Lewis, completed nineteen of twenty seven pass attempts, and subbing in, Dionne Whittaker completed two of three passes. As they were near the goal line, Lewis threw one interception caught by Becky Coe of the Killa-Panthers, stopping what may have been another score by the Wolverines.

After a two year hiatus, Benecia Thompson had a great first game, catching two touchdown passes and three more receptions, helping the Wolverines gain yards. The slippery Shamar Ennis caught the other touchdown pass, and the speed from running backs Alexandria Terry and Jahzenia Thomas was instrumental in the Wolverines offense.

Leading the Wolverines’ defense were Catherine Ebanks and Christsania McLean, with three tackles each, followed by Saneata Smith and Dionne Whittaker, each with two tackles. The Wolverines had a solid defense, shutting down the Killa-Panthers offensive strategy.

For the Andro Killa-Panthers, although they made it near the goal linea few times, and quarterback Christina Pineda completed fifteen out of twenty pass attempts, they were not able to penetrate through the Wolverines and hold onto the ball during crucial downs. Lisa Hill-Malice also threw five out of twelve attempts. Sophia Dilbert had a fantastic game both on defense and offense, with four receptions and five tackles.
Also with five tackles on defense for the Killa-Panthers is Jennifer Allen, followed by Delicia Ebanks with four.

On offense for the Killa-Panthers, Natalee Dyke and Tonia Ebanks each had three catches, with perhaps one of the best receptions of the day made by the petite Ebanks catching a long ball on the side-line, snatching it as she was surrounded by the Wolverine’s players.

This Saturday’s games start at 10am at the Camana Bay Field, with a newly formed team, the Pythons, facing the Killa-Panthers, followed by the Wolverines and Monsters at 11am. Lady Sharks take a rest with a bye week.

Admission is free and snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.