LIVE STREAM: Mexico – Fundidores v. Raptors – April 7, 1p (8p CET, 2p EST)

AFI | American Football | 04/07/2018

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The Fundidores and Raptors meet Saturday, April 7 in a duel for the final playoff spot in Mexico’s Liga de Football Americano Profesional at Estadio José Ortega Martínez (JOM).

After opening the season impressively with two straight wins, the Raptors have faltered badly dropping four in a row, including a 45-15 drubbing at the hands of the Fundidores on March 2.

The Fundidores have also stumbled after a strong showing in the first three weeks of the season, losing the last three including a 41-40 nailbiter to the Condors on March 23.

Raptors quarterback Bruno Márquez is the leading passer in the league so far though with 1,555 yards passing and 14 touchdowns while rushing for another two touchdowns.

The Fundidores however, could be in tough without their starting quarterback, Roberto Vega and will likely start young Luis Roberto Araujo. So, they will no doubt turn to their running game led by Adrián Florres, who with 292 yards and 3 touchdowns is currently the third leading rusher in the LFA. Behind him are Manuel Alanís and American Dezerick Reed, who together add another 246 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Fundidores secondary boasts the leader in interceptions this season so far, Sergio Canti and the top tackler in the LFA, Christian Alejandro Hernandez. Márquez will have to keep an eye out for both. Add to that the fact that the Fundidores defense is the second best against the pass and third against the run and the Raptors could be in for a long afternoon.