Brazil’s Superliga Opening Weekends Marked By Upsets
Curitiba Crocodiles 10, Parana HP 3
Curitiba running back Bruno Santucci scored the difference maker as his Crocodiles, featuring a few new faces, won a defensive struggle against their cross-town rival. Only days earlier the HP had snapped the Crocodiles’ state title winning streak at 7.
Former Recife Mariners quarterback Drew Banks, lined up behind a Crocodiles‘ offensive line that featured massive and talented offensive lineman, the 6’5, 310 pound, Dhiego Taylor, formerly of the Lusa Lions.
‘’HP is a good, athletic team and the game was not easy. Our defense carried us,’’ said Banks. ‘’We just all have to get on the same page (offensively) and when that happens, we will be dangerous,’’ he added.
America Bulls 12, Vitoria All Saints 0
The Bulls, of the city of Natal, blanked the All Saints, of the city of Salvador, in the Superliga opener for both teams. Despite the loss, Vitoria offensive lineman and assistant coach Chad Malphrus thinks that his squad has some positives to build on.
‘’I thought our defense was outstanding. Our offense had some great plays, but we still have some things to work out. We can move forward and this team will get better and be a contender,’’ said Malphrus.
These small-market clubs are excited to be a part of the CBFA’s new Superliga. Look for them to challenge some of the larger clubs in Recife and Fortaleza this season.
Flamengo FA 49, Vila Velha Tritoes 28
Above: Flamengo FA running back Raffael Garcia running behind the OT Iury Machado. Photo by: Jana Aguiar
The club from Rio de Janeiro started off hot, up 28-0 at one point, and never looked back. The closest the Tritoes came was a score of 28-14 at halftime.
Flamengo’s legendary quarterback KC Frost targeted two different teammates for touchdown passes (Tight end Felipe Liera and wide reciever Patrick Tavares), and the Flamengo running game had a balanced performance, with rushing touchdowns coming from Yolandus Pratt (2 TDs), Raffael Garcia (1 TD) and Felipe Florêncio (1 TD).
Flamengo looks to continue steady growth in the coming weeks. ‘’We didn’t use 60% of our playbook (offensively),’’ said Tavares, who caught one of Frost’s TD passes.
‘’We expect to continue playing our style of game (in the next contest),’’ he added.
Flamengo, along with Vasco, is a strong club coming from the TTD. The talent and tradition in the club brings great depth to the Superliga. They will be a force to be reckoned with as the season unfolds.
