Spain: Quarterfinal playoff berths decided

The Valencia Firebats, Camioneros de Coslada, Gijón Mariners and Mallorca Voltors all won their wild card playoff games in the Spanish League of American Football, LNFA and have moved on to the quarterfinals.

The Firebats, four-time Spanish champions, advanced to the quarterfinal round with a decisive 53-10 victory over the Granada Lions. Valencia’s offense, led by quarterback Alexander McKean, who threw three touchdown passes, was unstoppable. British wide receiver Kris Wedderburn, scored four touchdowns, three on receptions and one on the ground. Javier Navarrete, on a pass from the Japanese QB Yuta Kondo, added the only touchdown for the Lions.

The Firebats now travel to Madrid to face Osos Rivas in their quarterfinal clash.

The Camioneros de Coslada will take on the LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons in the quarterfinals after blanking the Alicante Sharks 42-0. Running back Juan José Troyano was one of the highlights for the Madrid team, scoring two touchdowns. Camioneros was one of the surprises of the season and their game against the Black Demons promises to be special.

The Gijón Mariners were the favorites and did not fail against the Santurtzi Coyotes, advancing with a resounding 50-0 victory.

The Mariners now have the toughest assignment next weekend as they head to Barcelona to face the defending champion Badalona Dracs.  One of the most productive duos of the season, quarterback Marcos Martinez and receiver Hilario Lantarón, led Gijon’s  offense, connecting three times for touchdowns. Next to them shone running back Javier Castañon.

Finally, in Catarroja, the Mallorca Voltors demonstrated their vast improvement this season by trouncing the Valencia Giants 41-2 and punching their ticket to the quarterfinals.

The Mallorcans have arrived in the quarterfinals in peak form and may well be a team to consider. Finnish receiver Henri Laine, with two touchdowns, and Víctor Rodríguez, with two others, led the Voltors offense. Jaume Alcover and German receiver Tobias Fuchs also scored.

The Voltors will travel next weekend to Murcia, to play against the number one ranked Cobras.