The reigning Spanish champions, Osos Rivas (2-1) will play host to the surprising Coslada Camioneros (2-1) as Spain’s National League of American Football heads into its fifth weekend of play.
Osos Rivas opened the season with a solid 16-3 win over the Gijon Mariners but followed that up with a historic 3-2 loss to their title game opponents, the Las Rozas Black Demons, before handing the Alcobendas Cavaliers a 38-0 shutout. The Caminoneros, one of the two newcomers to the top league this season, have also put together a 2-1 record. They opened the year with a tough 14-7 loss to the Black Demons but then won two straight, beating Alcobendas 28-14 and the Mariners 21-14.
Osos have added firepower to their backfield with the signing of Joc Crawford, one of the leading rushers in the European League of Football for the past two seasons. Crawford will boost a rushing attack that already had homegrown talent Ronald Tomasello. Along with quarterback Sergio Barbera, the offense will be difficult for the Coslada defense to stop.
Defensively, the Osos Rivas have several key players including Mexican talents Johnny Escobar and Jorge Juarez leading a fast and physical front seven. If this group can contain a talented Camioneros offense, look for the defending champions to improve to 3-1.
The Coslada Camioneros rebounded well from their hard-fought opening round game against 2022 runner-ups the LG OLED Black Demons getting two solid victories. Mexican quarterback Hector Hernandez leads the Camioneros offense along with veteran wide receiver MJ Williams (Copenhagen Towers). If these two can continue to build on their connection, they could make this Camioneros offense one to look out for.
On defense Coslada has played well, holding opponents to an average of 14 points a game. However, the front seven led by Serbian linebacker Peter Stevanak and his Spanish teammates will be hard pressed to contain Crawford. This will likely be the key to the game today.
Coslada Camioneros @ Osos Rivas, Feb. 11, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)
