The Spanish American Football League (Federeracion Espana de Futbol Americano) enters the second week of play Saturday, January 20 with four games on tap and another two on Sunday, January 21.
In an unprecedented move, the Spanish federation expanded its top league from six teams in 2017 to 14 for the 2018 season.
Valencia Firebats (1-0) – L’Hospitalet Pioners (0-0)
The premier game of the day Saturday will feature the Valencia Firebats with four league titles and six-time Spanish champions, the L’Hospitalet Pioners. The Firebats are coming off an impressive 18-0 win over the Mallorca Voltors last weekend while the Pioners are playing their first game of the season.
Valencia quarterback Justin Sottilare was outstanding against the Voltors. Last year in Finland, playing for the Wasa Royals, Sottilare threw for 3,188 yards and 34 touchdowns and in fact was among the passing leaders for all of his three years in Finland.
The Pioners have added defensive firepower with the signing of linebacker Keaton Arden.
Valencia Firebats beat Mallorca in Week 1 action Photo: Alcaver
Watch live here. Saturday, January 20, 5p (11a ET)
Other games for January 20 will see the Gijón Mariners (1-0) who defeated the Santurtzi Coyotes on the opening weekend, take on the 1-0 LG Oled Las Rozas Black Demons,. The Black Demons disposed of the Santiago Black Ravens 46-0 in their opening game.
In Group B action Saturday the Coslada Camioneros and Murcia Cobras will meet at the Polideportivo Valleaguado in Madrid. The two teams won their first games last week. The Camioneros beat Granada Lions (38-0) and the Cobras did the same against the Alicante Sharks (53-0).
The final game of the day Saturday will feature the debut of the Valencia Giants who visit the Granada Lions. The Giants, who finished with a 3-7 record in 2017, are looking to rebound this season and have added quarterback Taylor Budd.
Badalona Dracs open season
Mallorca Voltors (0-1) – Badalona Dracs (0-0)
The eight time and defending Spanish champions, the Badalona Dracs finally hit the field as they travel to Mallorca to face the league newcomers, the Mallorca Voltors. The Dracs, who have dominated the Spanish league for the last three years, have signed three new imports. Wide receiver Brandon Ravenel, linebacker Mitch Sanders and wide receiver Lorenzo Melchiorre will join quarterback Craig Coffman.
After losing to the Valencia Firebats, the Voltors do not have an easy task. However, former Dracs Raul Cernuda, MVP of the last final of the Spanish Cup, and Edu Morlans, MVP of the final of the LNFA 2017, may help as they face their former team for the first time.
Watch Live Sunday, January 21, 12 noon (6a ET)
The other game Sunday will feature the Santurtzi Coyotes and Madrid’s Osos Rivas who are returning to the top league after a two year absence. The Coyotes dropped their opening game to the Mariners.