The 1st annual Tazón Ruricancho kicks off this weekend in San Juan De Lurigancho, Lima, Peru.
Three teams from the new league in Peru, Liga Peruana de Fútbol Americano (LPFA) along with the Alto Hospicio Titanes from Chile will face each other.
The home team, the SJL Titanes from San Juan de Lurigancho is led by head coach and team president Yussel Aguilar. The offense relies on quarterback Antonio Rios and wide receiver Álvaro Aranda along with offensive lineman Sebastián Guerrero. Defensively, the Titanes look to their linebacking corps, Carlos Valdelomar, Samuel Quispe and Mical Majesh.
SJL Titanes
Chile’s representative, the Alto Hospicio Titanes, who will face their Peruvian namesakes in the opening game, are led by head coach Néstor Blanco and outstanding linebacker, Cristóbal Calderón.
Alto Hospicio Titanes
The Chorrillos Raptors under head coach Luis Díaz have an excellent backfield and have two outstanding players, wide receiver Mateo Miyakawa and powerful offensive lineman David Calderón. On defense, the Raptors look to cornerback Nicolay Aspilcueta and linebacker Renato Arriola.
Chorrillos Raptors
The Callao Piratas are the dark horse team in this tournament. The club was only formed a year ago but have assembled an impressive squad. Quarterback Fabricio Campodónico and speedy running back Joset Anton lead a potent offense. Meanwhile, the sack leader in Chile defensive end Diego Akiame leads an aggressive defense which also includes strong safety Ben Tejada. Head coach is Luis Sánchez.
Callao Piratas
The tournament semifinals take place Saturday, Feb. 17 with the Alto Hospicio Titanes from Chile taking on the hometown SJL Titanes from San Juan de Lurigancho in the opening game. The second game will feature the Chorrillos Raptors and the Callao Piratas.