The Badalona Dracs (5-1) will jump on a plane and make the trip to the island of Mallorca to take on the Voltors (4-1) in Spanish League of American Football late season action.
The Voltors are looking for pay back as the last time these two teams faced off the Dracs won on the mainland 37-14. The Voltors have a chance to take the turn the tables and beat the defending champs at home in this one.
The Dracs fly to Mallorca after squeaking by the Murcia Cobras 21-13 at home two weeks ago. Badalona’s passing attack was hardly efficient as Sergi Gonzalo was 7-21 passing with a touchdown and a pick six. It was the Dracs running game that carried them to the win, featuring a 40-yard touchdown run from Eduard Molina to go along with a fine defensive performance . The Dracs defense is still elite allowing only 13.5 points on average through 6 games. One key Dracs defender too watch in this one is Mike Taylor. Taylor had four sacks and was constantly hounding Voltors quarterback Tanner Young the last time these two met.
Badalona Dracs @ Mallorca Voltors, March 28, 12:00 CET (06:00 am ET)
Taylor on the rematch with the Voltors:
“This time around it’s going to be tougher. We have to go to their place and beat them in Mallorca. I believe our defense will be fine due to our athletic ability. But our offense will need to make plays. We go as far as our offense takes us!”
The Voltors have made some big-time adjustments since their last matchup. They’ve have added three Serbian players including former Schwabisch Hall Unicorn defensive end Dusan Novakovic and center Dejan Jankovic of the Kragujevac Wild Boars. Topping off their Serbian trio, the Voltors also added former Indija Indians safety and receiver Aleksander Borkovic to help their skill players. Unfortunately, Mallorca also lost two keys defenders this week, as linebacker Kadel King and safety Josh Aleaze have left the team. Serbian defensive end Dusan Novakovic on what him and his two Serbian teammates are bringing to Mallorca:
“We are the puzzle that this team was missing, and it has been shown in our last game. Bringing the energy that every Serbian player bring from their football home, and I can say that it’s recognizable on the field.”
The Voltors also stayed busy this week adding defensive back Adriel Costa on Friday. The 5’10″, 195 pound Brazilian is an excellent man corner who has played for T-Rex in Brazil’s top league since 2017. Look for Costa to take on the challenge of covering the Dracs top receiver 6’2″ Austrian Dario Dobrolevski.
Offensively, quarterback Tanner Young has been one of the league’s best, throwing for 1,189 yards and 18 touchdowns. His favorite target has been his college teammate receiver Jaylon Hibbs. Hibbs has accounted for 567 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Voltors offense and defense were in sync as they won 36-0 against the Murcia Cobras two weeks ago.
Young on the offense’s development throughout the season.
“For us it has really been just about getting everyone comfortable and on the same page. Figuring out where people fit best in our scheme and what types of plays and style we need to be executing to put our athletes in a position to be successful. Guys are really buying into their roles and it’s starting to show for us as an offense. “
This is a fantastic matchup in the Spanish LNFA as it features two playoff teams that are eager to prove themselves. The Voltors team that went to Barcelona and lost by double digits is no more. Since then, head coach Andres Gelabert has been able to turn his thin roster into a playoff team looking to make a championship run. The Voltors will get a chance to prove themselves once against the defending champions. Look for this to be a very competitive game between two teams hungry to prove they are true contenders.
Watch the game live here. Badalona Dracs @ Mallorca Voltors, March 28, 12:00 CET (06:00 am ET)
Mallorca Voltors roster (Click image to enlarge)
Badalona Dracs roster (Click image to enlarge)
