Kicking off week three of the Spanish National League of American Football, LNFA are a pair of talented teams still searching for their first win as the 0-1 Gijon Mariners play host to the 0-2 Las Rozas Black Demons.
The Mariners opened their season with a 34-17 loss to the Osos Rivas, while the visiting Black Demons lost their first two games to the Osos Rivas and Murcia Cobras by a combined seven points. As midseason approaches, this game could be crucial for playoff position.
Last season’s runner ups, the Black Demons, enter 2022 with a nearly all Spanish lineup. Domestic quarterback David de Diego aims to get this offense on track as the Black Demons have averaged a mere 13 points a game.
On the other side of the ball, head coach Jake Hale will have his defense dialed in today as the unit has only given up an average of 13 points a game. Fans can anticipate that defensive backs Hugo Mínguez and Pau de Diego will be keyed in on stopping the run against a Mariners offense that likes to keep the ball on the ground.
One new player to watch on the hosting side is Mariners newcomer Marcel Spears Jr. The 6’1″ Iowa State (NCAA D1) standout was an All-Big 12 selection in 2017 for the Cyclones before spending the pre-season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Watch out for this defensive back to make some big plays in all three phases today.
The former NFL prospect will be a new weapon for Mexican quarterback Daniel de Juambeiz. Juambeiz comes to Gijon after a standout career at Mexican college football powerhouse the Pumas CU. He, along with Spanish running back Javier Castañón will look to reach the endzone early and often against a tough Black Demons defense.
After a winless 2021, the Gijon Mariners looked primed to pick up their first win in over a year as they host the winless Black Demons today. Last year’s runner up from Madrid might be lacking import talent this season, yet the core of Spanish players could be enough to earn them a hard fought road victory today.
Watch the game live here. LG OLED Black Demons @ Gijon Mariners, February 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9:00 am ET)
