The Reykjavik Einherjar from Iceland took a 21-0 third quarter lead and then held on to defeat a gritty Mallorca Voltors squad (Spanish Div. I) 21-14, and spoil the Spanish club’s 30th anniversary party.
Reykjavic quarterback Bergþór Phillip Pálsson threw two touchdown passes and was named MVP of the game.
The Einherjar, playing on the road for the first time, looked fresh despite the 2,000 mile flight and opened the scoring with Curtis Williston picking off a pass by Voltors quarterback Joan Santandreu and returning it for a touchdown early in the first quarter.
Reykjavik Einherjar QB Bergþór Phillip Pálsson Photo: Lauren Pacus
Then midway through the second period, Reykjavic picked off an errant Voltors pass, and capitalized with Pálsson finding Vioar Gauti to give the Einjerhar a 14-0 lead at the break.
Despite a Voltors offensive resurgence in the third quarter, it was the Einherjar who struck again, as Pálsson connected with Gauti for his second touchdown reception, giving Reykjavic a 21-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Mallorca’s offense finally kicked into gear as Santandreu first threw a touchdown strike to wide receiver Isaac León to close the gap to 21-6 midway through the quarter. As the momentum swung in the Voltors favor, Santandreu engineered another touchdown drive, this time connecting with Alejandro Bernardino. With the score 21-12, Cristian Mir Tolo Flaquer hauled in the two point conversion and Mallorca was suddenly within striking distance, 21-14.
However, an onside kick bounced into the hands of the Icelanders earning them their first road win.
As the Voltors begin preparing for the Spanish season which starts in January 2018, Reykjavik will begin the hunt again for more games.
If any team is interested get in touch with Bergþór Phillip Pálsson on Facebook or send an email to American Football International (rkelly@americanfootballinternational.com).