The Spanish American Football League (Federeracion Espana de Futbol Americano) will kick off its 2018 season this weekend with five games.
In an unprecedented move, the Spanish federation expanded its top league from six teams in 2017 to 14 for the 2018 season.
The league kicks off with three games Saturday, January 13 and two on January 14.
Opening game livestreamed
Saturday, January 13
The opening game at 3 pm (9a ET) at the Las Mestas Sports Complex will see the Gijón Mariners and Santurtzi Coyotes clash in a classic Northern rivalry battle, dubbed the Cantabrian Sea Trophy . The game will be shown both on the Mariners Youtube channel and on vinx.es.
Two more games follow Saturday at 5 pm as the Murcia Cobras who finished third in 2017, will take on the visiting Alicante Sharks at José Barnés Stadium in Murcia. The Cobras roster includes returning Swedish lineman Maximilian Malander and American defensive back Oliver Kathalay both of whom played in 2017. Joining them is Finnish lineman Mikko Toiminen. The Murcians have also signed Americans Alex Holmes (wide receiver) and Jordan Perry (quarterback).
The Sharks are playing in the top league for the first year and have a new new head coach, Michael Trainor.
Watch the game live here. Saturday, January 13, 5p (11a ET)
The third game of the season on Saturday will feature the LG Oled Black Demons and the Santiago Black Ravens. The Black Demons have added American quarterback Jason Gaines as well as Timothy Crenshaw. Meanwhile the Santiago squad under head coach José Jiménez is making its debut in Spain’s highest division.
Watch the game live here. Saturday, January 13, 5p (11a ET)
Two more games Sunday, January 14
The Coslada Camioneros will play host to the Granada Lions at 12 noon Sunday (6a ET). The Camioneros have been reinforced with two Mexicans, Juan Antonio Escobar and Luís de las Heras.
Watch the game live here. Sunday, January 14, 12 noon (6a ET)
The final Spanish game of the weekend will feature newcomers, the Mallorca Voltors play host to the Valencia Firebats. The Voltors, who return to the top league after a two year absence have added quarterback Craig Coffman and German defender Tobias Fuchs who played for the Reus Imperials in 2017. The four-time champion Firebats will feature quarterback Justin Sottilare who has starred in Finland while Ezequiel Martí returns as head coach.