Spain’s Las Rozas Black Demons stay unbeaten with shutout win over Gijon Mariners
The LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons did the expected Saturday in their seventh round matchup against the Gijon Mariners as the Spanish League of American Football heads into the home stretch, blanking Gijon 35-0.
Las Rozas jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised in the second half.
Starting quarterback Chris Merchant was on fire for the Black Demons connecting with Alejandro Álvarez, Jesús García-Valcárcel and Matías Castagno for touchdowns before giving way to back up David de Diego. The Spanish national team pivot wasted no time adding a fourth touchdown pass in the first half, this one to Gabi Levin and a five to Jesús Pérez.
Black Demons WR Alejandro Álvarez #9 catching a pass in traffic Photo: Lola Morales
Merchant only played for part of the first half but admitted it was an excellent opportunity for the team to come together:
“I only played on the first three drives and came out after the first drive of the second quarter. We felt good going into the game and had a good feel after the first quarter although we did make mistakes.”
One of the units that played well in particular was the offensive line according to Merchant:
“We started the game missing starters on the O line so it was fantastic to see how well they played as a unit. Carlos Carrasco had to move from center to left tackle and looked as if he was a veteran in that position. :
Black Demons WR Jesus Perez finding running room. Perez scored a 2nd half TD Photo: Lola Morales
With the offensive line playing well, the Black Demons run game looked strong. One of the missing pieces was receiver Mavin Saunders but Merchant is hopeful he will be back in the lineup soon.
“Mavin is recuperating and we hope to see him soon.”
The Canadian quarterback who played both American college football (University of Buffalo) and Canadian (University of Western Ontario) has had to adjust back to four down football from the three down version played in Canada.
“I feel great. Getting back into the four down game has not been a problem and now I am working closer with the coach. I feel good about our passing game and I am getting to throw the ball more. I am healthy and things are clicking.”
