CFL readies to punt, pass, and kick-off new season

With the start of the season just about four weeks away, the sights and sounds of football have once again returned to Saipan, as all four of the confirmed teams in this year’s Commonwealth Football League have begun preparing for battle.

According to CFL chairman of the board John Blanco, the Verizon Islanders, Miller Barbarians, and Pepsi Chiefs have all donned the pads and taken to the confines of the airport football field. The Guerillas have also been busy on the gridiron, but they have chosen the wide-open space of Koblerville Elementary School as their training grounds. On Saturday, Aug. 14, all four teams will get together to ring in the new season with a bang.

Team representatives, board members and officials met last Tuesday at J’s Restaurant in Gualo Rai to follow-up on issues from previous meetings and address any issues that could affect the upcoming season.

One of the issues that has yet to be finalized is the approval and designation of the league’s home field. The league is hoping to secure permission from the Commonwealth Ports Authority for the use of the facility near the airport. The opening match-up will pit the newly formed Pepsi Chiefs and the Guerrillas followed by a pair of the league’s more established teams, the Miller Barbarians and the Verizon Islanders. The approximate time for the games will be at 10:30 am.

The regular season will span six weeks, with two games being played every Saturday through Sept. 18. If needed, there will be a tie-breaking game played on the following week to determine who will compete in the championship on Saturday, Oct. 2.

In other league news, Blanco announced that he will soon be releasing the names of the players who were selected to the 2003 All-Island Team, and that they will be contacted for a team photo when he can get them all together.

This will be the fourth season for the league, and for only the second time in its existence, there will be no defending champion.

Last year’s champion, the Budweiser Predators, have disbanded, leaving a void at the top. The Barbarians squad is the only one of the four current teams to win a title, but that was two years ago, and there are a lot of new faces in the league.

Along with the Barbarians, this year’s league will tentatively feature the Verizon Islanders, the Guerillas, and the brand new Pepsi Chiefs.

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 27, at J’s Restaurant on Middle Rd. in Gualo Rai at 6pm. As per the norm, team representatives and officials are invited to attend.

As a reminder, all teams are to have no fewer than 11 and no more than 50 players on their roster. In order for a player to participate in practice, they must submit their waivers and insurance forms. To participate in the first game, players must have their registration fee paid in full no later than Saturday, Aug. 7.

“It’s a whole new ball game this year. The championship’s definitely up for grabs,” said Blanco.

If you are interested in getting more information about the CFL or becoming a player, contact the chairman by calling either 483-3517 or 288-2639.