In the first of two games on AFI TV this Sunday, April 11, the Mallorca Voltors (4-2) will pay a visit to the Zaragoza Hurricanes (2-4) as Spanish League of American Football heads into the home stretch.
The Voltors have done well for themselves this season, as their spot in the playoffs is firmly secured. The Hurricanes on the other hand have recently brought in new players and are looking to finish the season strong despite failing to qualify for the postseason. The last time these two teams met, Mallorca came out on top 35-13.
The Hurricanes lost a heartbreaker last week to the Murcia Cobras 25-22 giving the Cobras their first win of the season. Zaragoza used a creative trick play to take the lead with under two minutes to go, only to have the Cobras score with less than 30 seconds remaining to steal the victory. This week, the Hurricanes will have to put up points to contend with Mallorca’s potent passing attack. Look for quarterback Dustin Hawke Willingham to use Tyren Quinn, a speedy former University of Kentucky (NCAA D1) cornerback more on offense this week. Zaragoza will be sure to feature running back Denzel Duchenne who has been one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers all season.
Mallorca Voltors @ Zaragoza Hurricanes, April 11, 13:00 (1 pm) CET (07:00 am ET)
Defensively, the Hurricanes will have their hands full against a Mallorca team averaging 28 points per game. Look for defensive back Eddie Gourgel to be matched up against Mallorca’s top receiver Jaylon Hibbs.
Gourgel on the Hurricanes mentality:
“For us, we need to be disciplined and cohesive on defense and we need our offense to produce and make plays. If we work on the details and I believe in the whole group and our abilities! Like I said, we will play until the end. I Can’t wait! “
The Voltors are looking to bounce back after a tough 28-13 loss to the defending champion Badalona Dracs. Quarterback Tanner Young left the game with an injury in the fourth quarter and his status for Sunday remains in doubt. If Young can’t play, receiver Jaylon Hibbs will likely step in at quarterback.
Young talks about the Voltors’ mindset with the playoffs secured:
“We are taking each game one at a time. Coming off of a hard loss we just want to get back on the winning side of the column and get some momentum back on our side. We know we have two quality opponents coming up and are looking forward to great games of football.”
Mallorca’s defense has the potential to carry them to a win behind the play of Serbian defenders Dusan Novakovic and Aleksandar Borkovic. Borkovic has proven to be an impactful player in his short time in Spain, scoring touchdowns on an interception and kick return this season. The Balkan imports combined with a strong core of Spanish players make this defense a tough matchup for Zaragoza.
Look for this to be an exciting game as this Zaragoza team has no quit in them despite their losing record. Mallorca limps into this game off the heels of a tough loss and have some major injuries at the moment. These factors could turn this game into a much closer contest than the first time these two teams met.
Watch the game live here. Mallorca Voltors @ Zaragoza Hurricanes, April 11, 13:00 pm CET (07:00 am ET)
Zaragoza Hurricanes roster (Click image to enlarge)
Mallorca Voltors roster (Click image to enlarge)
