Milano Seamen hold off the Barcelona Dragons to clinch second win of the season

| American Football | 08/14/2023

Quarterback Luke Zahradka and the Milano Seamen have clinched their second win of the European League of Football season after holding off the Barcelona Dragons in a 33–28 win.

As per usual, Zahradka came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, making excellent use of his Italian receivers Ismail Lamamra, Juan Flores-Calderon, and Andrea Fiammenghi. Rainbow pass after rainbow pass lit up the Dragons secondary, leading to a 23–7 advantage at the end of the first half. 

As the second half kicked in, Dragons running back Antoni Montón brought his team back within striking distance with a zigzagging 27-yard touchdown run through the Seamen defense. This was aided by a defensive stand, but on the ensuing drive, newly returned quarterback Conor Miller threw a costly pick which led to three points for the Seamen.

Photo: Barcelona Dragons

An early fourth-quarter touchdown to Flores-Calderon yet again to take the score to 33–14. But midway through the fourth, Miller led the Dragons down the field on two consecutive drives to bring the score to 33–28. The Dragons proceeded to line up for an onside kick but were unable to repossess the ball ending the game.

Zahradka has once again put on a first-class performance as he finished the game with 355 yards, three touchdowns through the air, one on the ground and zero interceptions. Despite his team’s poor record, Zahradka is currently the leading passer in the league (yards).

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.