The Fuengirola Portos snapped a four-game losing streak this past weekend, defeating the visiting Murcia Cobras 18-14 as Spain’s National League of American Football wrapped up its seventh round of play.
Potros running back José Luís López scored the second of his two touchdowns with less than a minute remaining to secure the win.
It was the Cobras who found the scoreboard first though after recovering a Fuengirola fumble on the game’s opening kickoff. Taking advantage of the short field, running back Eduardo Pérez pounded the ball in giving the visitors a 6-0 lead after the extra point attempt was blocked.
However, that accounted for all the scoring in the first half as both defenses stiffened. Despite forcing two more turnovers, Murcia’s offense was unable to capitalize.
Potros defender making a tackle Photo: Samuel Serrano
The turnovers continued in the second half, this time by the Cobras and Fuengirola took advantage as quarterback Carlos Chaves weaved his way into the end zone to tie the game at 6-6 after the Potros recovered a Murcia fumble. Then Potros defensive back Dante Lee picked off an errant Murcia pass, giving his team good field position again, but the Cobras defense held strong. Late in the third quarter, Lopez scored his first touchdown giving the Potros a 12-6 lead after a two-point conversion attempt failed.
Murcia quarterback AJ Mintz drove his team deep into Potros territory to open the fourth quarter and then connected with Eduardo Perez to even the score at 12-12.
Again, both defenses took over with the two teams deadlocked but the Cobras defense struck again, this time forcing a safety to give Murcia a 14-12 lead with little time left. The Fuengirola special teams unit then made its presence known, blocking a punt in Cobras territory. On a first and goal, López struck again with almost no time left and the Potros retook the lead for good.
Potros Head Coach Nacho Ponce:
“We fought hard and we got a much deserved win. We kept a positive mentality and good focus throughout the contest, and we did our jobs well with the game on the line.”
With the win, Fuengirola improved their record to 1-4 and will now face the undefeated (6-0) and league-leading Osos Rivas this coming weekend.