The Cumberland Panthers boys and girls tackle football teams are in a strong position midway through the spring/summer season. Three of the football club’s squads were undefeated heading into action last weekend, and two other teams had only suffered one loss.
The U14 AAA boys team was expected to improve their record to 6-0 on Saturday in a game against the 0-5 Oshawa Hawkeyes.
The Panthers had won their games by an average of 35 points, including a 43-14 win over the second place North Halton Crimson Tide and a 53-12 drubbing of the third place Scarborough Thunder.
A win over Oshawa would assure the U14 Panthers of a first place finish in the East Division of the Ontario Summer Football League and home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs which start on July 5.
Before the playoffs begin, however, the Panthers must finish their regular season schedule with a game against the Myers Riders at Ottawa University on June 28.
The Panthers U16 AAA teams was also a perfect 5-0 heading into the weekend. They were also expected to easily beat their counterparts from Oshawa.
In their five previous games they had scored a total of 184 points while allowing just nine – an unconverted touchdown against the Peel Panthers in week two, and a field goal against the Durham Dolphins on June 14. In the same stretch they had posted three shutouts.
Unfortunately, the Panthers AAA U18 boys team has not been able to keep pace with their younger clubmates.
After their first five games, they were still in the mix for a potential playoff spot with a record of 3-2. A win over the 0-5 Oshawa Hawkeyes on Saturday would improve their record to 4-2 and put them in a three or four way tie for second place.
A win over the Myers Riders this weekend will likely assure them of a playoff berth – assuming they beat the Hawkeyes – a loss and they would likely be on the outside looking in.
As good as the Panthers boys teams have been, the club’s girls teams have been equally successful.
The U19 squad was also undefeated head-ing into last weekend’s action with a perfect 4-0 record that put them in a four-way tie for first place with the equally undefeated Peel Panthers, London Wolfpaac and Kingston Sharks.
All four teams were expected their unblemished records intact, playing against much weaker teams in the final two weeks of the season. If they do, it would set up an exciting semi-final tournament on July 5.
The two teams with the better records coming out of the tournament would play in the Ontario Women’s Football League championship weekend on July 12.
The Panthers also have a team in the hunt in the U16 division with a solid 3-1 record which has them in a first place tie with the Peel Panthers. Both teams have games remaining against the Sudbury Spartans and the Bel-Air Lions which are in third and fourth place respectively.
Should both Panther teams win their remaining games it would set up a rubber match between the two teams for the league championship..
CANADA DAY AT THE LEGION – Canadian Legion Branch 632 on Taylor Creek Road will be hosting a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities with music and food starting at 11 am. FREE FOR EVERYONE 
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY presents Crroked Creek live and in concert in their taproom. From Montreal, Crooked Creek effortlessly blends bluegrass and country music genres. Tickets $15 available at 
