LIVESTREAM Spain: Badalona Dracs @ Las Rozas Black Demons, Feb. 13, 17:00 CET (11:00 ET)
Without a doubt, this is the premier matchup in the Spanish League of American Football this weekend as the defending champion Badalona Dracs (2-0) visit the Las Rozas Black Demons (1-0).
The last time these two faced each other was in the 2019 Spanish title game which the Dracs won comfortably, 47-6. In 2020, they both had identical 5-0 records when the season was abruptly canceled due to COVID-19.
This season, Badalona downed the Mallorca Voltors 37-14 two weeks ago while the Black Demons game against crosstown rivals Osos Rivas was postponed due to positive cases of COVID-19 being discovered. They both had easy wins in the first round with the Black Demons defeating the Fuengirola Potros 41-8 and Badalona whipping the Zaragoza Hurricanes 51-6.
We very well be could be looking at a preview of the 2021 championship game.
The Black Demons also have some new faces since last time they played joining them. Including 6’5″, 250 pound tight end Mavin Saunders. Saunders is a physical receiver who played tight end at Florida State and Kansas University (NCAA D1) before going to training camp with the Cleveland Browns in 2019. Saunders was part of a 2016 Seminoles team that went 10-3 and won the Orange Bowl. It will be interesting to see how Saunders and quarterback Chris Merchant are able to mesh in this one as it is their first time playing together, especially against a tough Dracs secondary.
Merchant on the matchup with the Dracs:
“’I’m extremely excited for the game and this opportunity to finally compete with my new teammates. In order to beat the Dracs we need to play mistake free and play tough football. The Dracs are a well coached team and play fast. We just need to make sure we stick to our game and not let them dictate what we do.”
Badalona Dracs @ Las Rozas Black Demons, Feb. 13, 17:00 CET (11:00 ET)
Defensively, the Black Demons added linebacker William Lloyd (Troy NCAA D1). Lloyd joins a defense that is strong in the secondary with veteran Darius Robinson (Clemson NCAA D1) and is complimented by a fierce defensive line led by Spanish lineman Carlos Carrasco.
The Dracs roll into Madrid this weekend with a ton of swagger as they trounced the Mallorca Voltors 37-14 last time they were on the field. The additions of their new quarterback Cory Benedetto and wide receiver Dario Dobrolevski combined with a solid Spanish offensive line and running back Eduard Morlans make the Dracs offense quite explosive.
Defensively, the Dracs showed they were built to win at all levels. Former Georgetown university (NCAA D1 FCS) pass rusher Mike Taylor made his long awaited debut in Europe two weeks ago. It seemed as if he had some making up to do, as Taylor was unblockable, sacking the Voltors quarterback four times. On the back end, the Dracs have European veterans Niko Lester and Jordi Brugnani creating problems in the passing game along with being dangerous in the returners on special teams. Look for how they handle the Black Demons high flying passing offense this week. Dracs defensive back and kicker Jordi Brugnani on the matchup against Chris Merchant and Mavin Saunders.
“We have to play our best football against the black demons, we trust our system and our coach and teammates to stop them. A lot of teams have an American quarterback and wide receiver, so we just have to be focus all game and the team with less mistakes is going to win the game.”
This is a huge game in Europe as two talented teams are finally back on the field for this highly anticipated matchup. Looks for the Dracs secondary and their individual matchups with the Black Demon receivers to be key to victory in this game. In the trenches, if the Black Demons offensive line can protect their Canadian superstar quarterback Chris Merchant from Mike Taylor’s pass rush they might be able to pull off the upset against the defending champs at home.
Watch the game live here. Badalona Dracs @ Las Rozas Black Demons, Feb. 13, 17:00 CET (11:00 ET)
