CFL returns to Saipan next week

The start of another heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, face-smashing season of the Commonwealth Football League is now just a week away, and the players, coaches, and organizers are excited for what should be an intense new season.

The sights and sounds of football have once again returned to Saipan, as all three of the confirmed teams in this year’s CFL have begun preparing for battle on the airport gridiron.

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 confines of the airport football field. On Saturday, Aug. 14, all four of the teams will get together to ring in the new season with a bang.

Team representatives, board members and officials will have one last meeting before the season starts next Tuesday, Aug. 10, at J’s Restaurant in Gualo Rai to follow-up on issues from previous meetings and address any issues that could affect opening day.

One of the issues that has been squared away is the designation of the league’s home field. All of the punts, passes, and kicks will be delivered at the facility near the airport courtesy of the Commonwealth Ports Authority.

The opening match-up will pit the newly renamed Verizon Nitro and the Miller Barbarians. The opening kick-off will have the pigskin sailing through the air at 10am.

The regular season will span nine weeks, with all but two of the games having 10am Saturday starts. The Miller Barbarians will face the Pepsi Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 1pm, while the Pepsi Chiefs will square off against the Verizon Nitro on Sunday, Oct. 10.

The playoffs take place at 10am on Saturday, Oct. 17, when the second and third place finishers from the regular season go head facemask-to-facemask to determine who will face the first place team from the regular season in the championships on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11am.

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.

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

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