The eight-team Ecuadorian American Football League (Federación de Football Americano – Ecuador) winds up the regular season this weekend
The two-time and defending champions, the Lobos de Quito (5-0) have dominated the Northern Conference while the Caimanes de Guayaquil (4-1), have lost only one game in the Southern.
For these two clubs, all eyes are on the divisional semifinal matches that will be played next month on November 10 with home field advantage at stake. The semifinal matches will decide who plays in the third annual Ecuador American Football Championship game on December 1st in Quito, Ecuador.
Northern Conference
In the Northern Conference, if the Lobos beat Kraken on October 27th they will then play the Titanes de Cumbaya in the semi finals on November 10th.
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference this year has been much more battle worn, and that may play a part in helping a team from the south arrive in Quito December 1st battle ready. The final game of the season is this weekend with Colorados de Santo Domingo at Guayaquil. After that, most likely, Colorados will play at the Bulldogs in to decide who goes to the semifinal versus the Caimaines in Guayaquil.
The Colorado’s de Santo Domingo, a team that has been twice to the national championship game, suffered heavy coaching and personnel losses over the off season leading to a somewhat surprising placement of third in the Southern Conference. The Bulldogs of Puerto Viejo, a new club team to the league this year, has surprisingly held second place for most of the season. The Bulldogs are favorites to go to the semifinal with a warrior attitude and with a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. This year, the Bulldogs have beated the Colorado’s de Santo Domingo and gave the Caimanes de Guayaquil their only loss. Barring any surprises, the Bulldogs will play in the semi final match to reach the national championship in Guayaquil on November 10th. Steve Smith who serves both as coach and player, moved to the Bulldogs de Puerto Viejo (Southern Conference) from the Osos de Puerto Viejo (Northern Conference) and the change has certainty been felt on and off the field around the league.
