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CFL games take turn for the better
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Posted on Oct 06 2005
With two weeks and four games in the bag, the Commonwealth Football League has already had its share of highs and lows, however; league organizers were quick to ensure that the players, referees, coaches, and spectators would get the best product possible on the field.
By the close of opening day, the four teams combined for 38 penalties for 330 yards and a pair of ejections, and rather than write the occurrence off as part of the game, the decision makers wasted no time in laying down the law.
According to CFL board chair Clyde Lemons, the conversation resulted in cooler tempers and a different type of infractions. Though the teams combined for 45 penalties that accounted for 290 yards, they came more as a result of procedural violations as opposed to unsportsmanlike conduct.
“We talked to officials, we talked to player reps, and evidently the discussions we had filtered down to the players. The refs did a much better job this week with two less officials so we’re getting better,” said Lemons.
From calling penalties to calling the game, the CFL made additional improvements to the CPA Airport Field that immediately aided play callers and the league statisticians with the construction of the press box at midfield.
The only thing lacking in that department is the lack of an audience-friendly audio system that will allow the voice of CFL play-by-play man Chris Belanger to broadcast the gains, sacks, and scores to fans at every corner of the venue.
“Hopefully next week will get a sound system,” said Lemons.
While the league still needs to address a few issues before he would consider it perfect, Lemons said that he is taking things one step at a time, and the next step is Saturday night’s game under the lights on Tinian, when the Typhoon play host to the Express Electronics Eagles at 7pm.
The chairman welcomed all of the CNMI’s football fans to come and watch this weekend’s game in Tinian and said that the CFL leadership is excited about taking the first regular season contest on the road across the channel.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a home field flavor for the Typhoon next weekend, and I’m just looking to get over there and join the fans,” he said.
