Raptors manhandle defending champion Mayas in their first game of LFA season in Mexico

The Raptors spoiled the home opener for the Mexico City Mayas, two-time and defending LFA (Liga de Futbol Americano) champions, handing them a 32-0 shellacking in front of a capacity crowd in Mexico City.

Raptors wide receiver José Barrios was unstoppable Sunday afternoon, hauling in three touchdown passes, two from starting quarterback Bruno Márquez and one from back up Arturo Sánchez. Ivan Garcia scored the fourth Raptors touchdown while Felix Guerrero kicked a field goal and the defense forced a safety.

The Mayas were in trouble from the opening whistle as the Raptors forced the safety early in the first quarter and then Marquez had the offense firing on all cylinders.

Marquez and the Raptors capitalized on a Maya fumble in the first quarter as he found Garcia for the game’s first touchdown giving his team a 9-0 lead.

Another turnover by the Mayas gave the Raptors excellent field position again with Marquez took full advantage connecting with Barrios to extend the lead to 16-0.

The Raptors secondary snuffed out another Mayas drive with the first of two interceptions.

The second half was much the same as the first with the Ra-ptors offense clicking. Marquez and Barrios struck again in the third quarter to increase the lead to 22-0. Then Marquez gave way to Sanchez who went right back to Barrios making the score 29-0 midway through the fourth quarter.

Guerrero’s field goal late in the game sealed the win giving the Raptors the idea start to the 2018 season.

Next week, the Mayas will travel to Saltillo Olympic Stadium to play the Dinos, who were also shut out (17-0) against the Monterrey Fundidores, while the Raptors will again be the visitors, this time against Condors, who fell to the Mexicas.