PREVIEW: Lisboa Navigators v. Lisboa Devils – Portuguese Capital Classic in LPFA Semifinal

| American Football | 05/23/2015

This Sunday, May 24, Lisboa Navigators will play host to the Lisboa Devils in the Portuguese Capital Classic. This serves as one of the semifinals in the Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Americano (LFPA). The match is scheduled for 1PM ET, at Vitória Clube field in Lisbon, Olaias.

The Navigators finished the regular season campaign with an  8-0 record and beat the Porto Renegades easily 69-0 in the quarterfinals. The defending champions have won the championship five times and arrive as the favorites to win the classic. In six editions of the LPFA, the oldest roster of Lisbon has accumulated 50 wins and 1 defeat in its history. This season, the team had the second best defense and the best offense.

In offensive terms the Navigators have one of the strongest backfields in Portugal, led by quarterback José Pedro. Another phenomenal athlete and who has gained more prominence has been tight end Nélson Fidalgo. In defensive terms the focus is on linebacker Amílcar Piedade along with Marcellus Piper, also a very versatile athlete and dominant on special team.

The Devils finished the regular season with a record of 4-4. In Braga they beat the Warriors, current runner-up, 12-6. In only their second year to compete in LPFA the Devils had improved so much they qualified for the semifinals . The Devils had the fourth best offense in the league and the fifth best defense.

The best player on offense for the Devils is quarterback Bernardo Solipa who, in his second year in the league has a favorite target in Bruno Cardoso. Additionally, rookie  running back Ricardo Jaquité has had a fantastic season. In defensive terms the focus is in the linebackers group composed of David Martins, João Almeida and Lourenço Tavares. A player to look  at on special teams is Pedro Almeida, who has produced several touchdowns this season.

Past duels

LPFA V – Devils 0-77 Navigators
LPFA VI – Devils 13-46 Navigators
LPFA VI – Navigators 41-14 Devils

Highlights Braga Warriors v. Lisboa Devils

Journalist at Futebol Americano Brasil and American Football International. Post graduated in Digital Journalism at Famecos/PUCRS. Former multimedia producer of Locast Project MIT/USA. Former player of Porto Alegre Pumpkins.