The Badalona Dracs (1-0) return to the field this weekend in Spain’s National League of American Football after a three-week hiatus, as they host the 1-1 Zaragoza Hurricanes.
The Dracs, defending Spanish champions, are coming off an easy 48-3 opening day win over the L’Hospitalet Pioners while the Hurricanes lost to the same Pioners squad 56-48 in week two after opening their season with a 41-35 win over the Mallorca Voltors.
Badalona’s new quarterback for 2022, Glen Cuiellette, has proven that he has definitely been a wise addition by head coach Oscar Calatayud. The Mandeville, Louisiana native from Texas Southern, threw for 402 yards and six touchdowns in his Spanish debut so the Hurricanes front seven will have to find a way to get pressure on him. His favorite target, Hunter Belzo, hauled in three of those scoring passes and will no doubt be giving the Zaragoza secondary problems all game long. Spanish tight end Raul Cernuda who scored two touchdowns on opening day will also be a key target today. Running back Rafael Hidalgo gives Badalona a ground game that will keep the Hurricanes defense honest. On defense, import linebacker Patrick Kenney leads a Dracs squad that already looks formidable.
Hurricanes quarterback Kevin Doyle will have his hands full facing what is arguably the best defense in Spain today. Although he has thrown 11 touchdown passes in two games (five against the Voltors and six against L’Hospitalet), he will not have the time to set and throw today. Still, with wide receiver Kyle Mucerion (Austin College) who has caught eight touchdown passes, along with Spanish wideout David Aaron, the Zaragoza offense could surprise.
Defensively, head coach Kurtis Ovesen’s team, anchored by linebacker Daniel Monfared who played for the Barcelona Dragons in the ELF last year, will be hard pressed against an explosive Dracs offense. They have given up an average of 41.5 points a game in their two games and today will be facing one of the two best offenses in the league. This will be a definite challenge.
Watch the game live. Zaragoza Hurricanes @ Badalona Dracs, Feb. 6, 11:00 CET (11 am, 5 am ET)
