Two key match ups in Spain this weekend have huge playoff implications.
The runaway league leaders, the undefeated Badalona Dracs play host to arch-rivals and defending champions the Valencia Firebats. In the other game, the Barbera Rookies (2-3) face the Reus Imperials (1-4) with third place on the line.
Badalona Dracs (6-0) v Valencia Firebats (5-1)
This game is the most highly anticipated of the Spanish season. Although Valencia dropped the first game between these two teams 38-13, they are much improved since that point of the season. A Firebats win would bolster Valencia’s confidence and could even vault them into first if it is by a larger margin than 25 points.
The Dracs however, are looking to run the table in the Spanish league, going undefeated entering the playoffs. They could very well do that as they are averaging 50 points a game.
Quarterback Mike Box has tossed 24 touchdown passes in 2016 in five games while scoring another five himself. Receiver Drew Clausen leads the league in scoring with 72 points while teammate Robbie Jackson has 10 touchdowns.
Valencia quarterback Thomas Murphy (15 TDs) leads an offense that also features running back Hector Pertegaz (5 TD) and receivers Alex Silvestre (7 TD) and Javi Martínez (4 TD).
Reus Imperials (1-4) – Barbera Rookies (2-3)
The Rookies and Imperials face each other again after Barbera rallied from 20-0 to defeat the Imperials 29-26 earlier in the season.
However, this is a different Imperials after the departure of quarterback Allan Bridgford and two other imports. Reus has struggled to replace them and is an unknown quantity entering this game.
On the other hand, Rookies quarterback Michael Van Deripe has been very solid and combined with the running of Camil Canet and pass-catching of Tim Pape, Barbera has an edge in this one.