From Newcomers to Contenders: Reds take on Dracs to steal the Eastern crown
- David Pinto Maeso
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
In a delayed game from Week 9 the Terrassa Reds has the opportunity to make history and be crowned as the #1 seed in the East as a newly promoted team
10 weeks later, the regular season of the 2024/2025 LNFA has come to an end, but there is still one game to play, perhaps one of the most important of the season. Two weeks ago, a clash between the newly promoted Terrassa Reds and the well known colossal Badalona Dracs was scheduled, but due to an electric storm that game had to be postponed to this weekend.
This game is so important because the winner will be crowned as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. This is vital for the competition. In the Spanish playoffs the #1 from one conference face off the #2 of the other in the semi-finals, which means that the winner of this game will face an Osos de Rivas team that has suffered two upsets in back to back weeks and a newly signed QB with very little time with the yellow and red. And the loser will have to play the Las Rozas Black Demons, the current powerhouse in Spain who hasn't lost in more than a year and has a 27-1 record and two championships over the last two seasons.
Historically, the Badalona Dracs, a well known and recognized team in Spain knows pretty well what it is to win it all as they have been the Spanish Bowl champions a total of 11 times. They have been the absolute leaders of the East for several years. The last time they were second was in the 2021/2022 season, only behind the then big surprise Barberá Rookies, now playing in the Catalan regional league (3rd division).
The Reds are 5-1-1, while the Dracs are 6-1. In their first matchup they ended with a convincing victory for Badalona 40-22, but the squad from Terrassa is eager to knock down the big guys in what can be classified as a proper David vs Goliath kind of clash.
A season for the ages in Terrassa
After winning the LNFA 2 (formerly known as LNFA Serie B) in 2024, the squad from Terrassa already boasted a strong roster featuring standout players such as Madrid Bravos signee DL Mamadou Ka Thiobane, former Barcelona Dragons RB Charlie Take, and kicker Samuel Rodríguez Romero. Additionally, key import Dandre Javon Fuller has returned to the team this season. However, one of the biggest factors behind their success this year has been their new acquisitions. Terrassa has managed to attract not only high-profile imports but also top-tier domestic talent. The most notable international signing is Alpha Jalloh, a seasoned veteran in European football and a widely recognized name across the continent. Primarily playing as a wide receiver, he has also seen action at QB on occasion.
Speaking of QBs, another familiar name in Spanish football, Alex Pacheco, has rejoined the team this season after suffering an ACL tear with the Dragons last year. So far, he has been performing at a high level and has firmly established himself as the Reds' QB1. They are one of the best deep threats in the competition. Alongside him, several national players have bolstered the squad, including WRs Pablo Gómez and Jacobo Senise from L’Hospitalet Pioners, OL Deivis Jael Fabian Viola, DB Pascal Sendelbach from Mallorca Voltors, and LB Mario Pérez, a Spanish player who was previously competing in Germany for the Spiders. One of the most surprising signings, however, was Jordi Brugnani, a well-known DB in the ELF for several seasons and a respected figure in the Spanish American football community.
Terrassa’s defense has been particularly effective, statistically ranking as the second-stingiest unit in the league, trailing only the Black Demons. This defensive strength will be crucial if they hope to contain Badalona’s high-powered offense. As of now, they have completed the regular season with a 5-1-1 record in one of the most competitive Eastern Conferences in recent memory in terms of on-field play. Notably, they played to a rare 3-3 draw against the now officially relegated Barcelona Pagesos.
Highs and lows in Badalona
The 11-time LNFA champions have experienced a rather unusual season, marked by both highs and lows. In just Week 2, they suffered the biggest upset of the year, falling to the Mallorca Voltors in what is arguably the best game of the season so far. However, as the season progressed, they returned to their dominant form. The level of play that Spain has come to expect from the black and silver. As a result, they finished the regular season with an impressive 6-1 record.
While their import signings have been impressive featuring former D1 RB and league rushing TD leader Keshawn Williams, Pace University alumni Ramir Tann Davis and Harrison Morgan, and powerhouse OT Tomás Middleton; the real standouts this season have been their national talents. Led by U.S.-experienced Spanish QB Pol Singleton, Badalona’s strongest asset has been their offense. With 240 total points, they have one of the most explosive units in the 2025 LNFA season, second only to again, the Black Demons (313 points).
Alongside Singleton, key domestic contributors include young RB Eloi Soler, a dual-threat out of the backfield as well as WRs David Martínez and Iu Alsina. Versatile athlete (and even singer) Eric Gracia and DL Eric Figueroa have also played crucial roles.
Badalona boasts a well-balanced offensive scheme, but their true strength lies in their ground attack. With Williams and Soler forming one of the most dynamic backfield duos in the country, they possess a lethal one-two punch that can challenge any defense in the league, and could even damage a lot of good european teams with their sure OL unit.
Unstoppable vs immovable
The key of the game will be that fight between one of the best offenses in the league against one of the best defenses. Whoever comes up on top of that battle will be the winner of the matchup. For the Reds, it is crucial to control the Dracs’ backfield and hold them to under 100 total rushing yards. If they can accomplish that while applying relentless pressure on QB Pol Singleton, forcing him into rushed decisions and errant throws, they will give their playmakers a chance to shine. With one of the best WR corps in the nation, the Reds excel at making big plays and stretching the field as a deep-threat unit, and they’ll need to lean on that strength to come out on top.
On the other hand, the Dracs’ path to victory lies in replicating their dominant performance from Week 4. They must apply constant and quick pressure on QB Alex Pacheco, preventing him from setting his feet and unleashing his cannon of an arm. Forcing the Spanish QB into checkdowns will be key, as also will be keeping a spy on whoever lines up at QB in wildcat formations. Additionally, reinforcing the contain and double-teaming WR Alpha Jalloh all game long will be essential.
Commentaires