Fresh from winning the Huntingdonshire District Finals last month, the Paxton Panthers travelled to the 2026 NFL Flag Football East Anglia Regional Finals full of confidence and excitement. Against some of the strongest teams in the region, the Panthers delivered a day of determination, resilience and high‑quality flag football – ultimately securing an impressive third-place finish.
Pool A – Game 1: Little Paxton Panthers 12–18 Benyon Patriots
The Panthers began their regional campaign nervously, and Benyon Patriots capitalised, racing into an 18–0 lead by half time. But what followed was a remarkable response. Paxton dominated the second half, scoring two excellent touchdowns (Noah and Harrison) and pushing hard for a dramatic comeback. Despite falling just short at 18–12, the second‑half performance showed the team’s character and belief.
Pool A – Game 2: Little Paxton Panthers 18–0 Winyates Seahawks
Determined to put things right, the Panthers came out flying in their second match. An early touchdown set the tone for a superb all‑round display. Paxton’s defence was outstanding, not allowing Winyates Seahawks out of their own half, while the offence moved the ball with confidence and precision. A convincing 18–0 victory (touchdowns from Noah x2 and Freddie) secured their place in the semi‑finals. With this result, the outcome of the final pool match no longer mattered. The Panthers had already done enough to top Pool A and book a semi‑final showdown with Woodlands Jets.
Semi‑Final: Little Paxton Panthers 0–13 Woodlands Jets
The semi‑final proved to be a tough, tactical battle. Woodlands Jets were well‑organised and packed with talented players. After conceding an early touchdown, Paxton stayed firmly in the contest, keeping the score at 6–0 for most of the game. As the Panthers pushed upfield in search of an equaliser, Woodlands capitalised on a late mistake to extend their lead to 13–0, ending Paxton’s hopes of reaching the final. It was a difficult result to take, but the team showed maturity in regrouping quickly for the third‑place playoff.
Third‑Place Playoff: Little Paxton Panthers 20–6 Lark Rise Academy 49ers
Determined to finish the day on a high, the Panthers produced one of their best performances of the tournament. Early touchdowns from Elise and Freddie helped Paxton storm into a 20–0 lead (touchdowns from Elise and Harrison x2), with the team playing with confidence, speed and excellent teamwork. A late score from Lark Rise Academy made little difference, as the Panthers managed the clock superbly to secure a well‑deserved 20–6 victory and claim third place in East Anglia.
Finishing third in the entire region is an outstanding accomplishment – especially considering that many of the players are new to flag football this year. A huge congratulations also goes to Woodlands Jets, who were crowned regional champions and will now progress to the National Finals in Manchester next month.
Well done to our Panthers squad: Ella (captain), Elise, Amelia, Teddy, Freddie, Noah, Harrison, Diaz, Rohan, Charlie and Coach Samar
Mr Pool
