Mallorca Voltors (2-1) and Zaragoza (1-2) Hurricanes face each other this Sunday at 12:00 at the CDM Movera (Zaragoza) in a match that seems vital for the playoff aspirations of both teams, just when we are finishing the first half of the season.
In a conference absolutely dominated by Badalona Dracs (3-0), both the Voltors and Hurricanes need a win in order to maintain their aspirations until the final stretch of the regular season. The other team in the conference, L'Hospitalet Pioners (2-1), play against Badalona Dracs.
Mallorca Voltors
The Balearean team lost last week against Badalona Dracs in a match in which they put up a fight during the first quarter, but which had already gone to half-time (27-9 for Badalona) and which they would end up losing by a resounding 54-9.
The depth on the Voltors roster is their biggest weakness. The team, well trained by veteran Mexican Head Coach Jesús Sánchez, has its best weapons in American Quarterback Zahir Wilder and British Wide Receiver Calum Davidson. However, the team falls short of facing the competition with guarantees of success because of the limited (in numbers, but not in talent) national roster.
Zaragoza Hurricanes
For its part, Zaragoza Hurricanes defeated Barcelona Pagesos (7-19) last Sunday, finally achieving its long-awaited first victory.
Despite having the recent incorporation of their import Quarterback, the Mexican Edgard Ullóa, Renan Santana's men had a hard time defeating Pagesos who took the lead on the scoreboard and who ended up giving in to the push of the receiving corps of Hurricanes, one of the most complete in the league, and its lockdown secondary.
Sadly, Zaragoza Hurricanes lose Gabriel Rodríguez for this match. The dominant offensive lineman had to leave the game after an ugly play, and will be sidelined without the severity of his injury (knee) being known for now.
RECENT HISTORY
Both teams met recently, during the Spanish Cup, in which Voltors took the victory by 0 to 6. On that occasion neither of the two teams had their important quarterbacks, so we will have to see what they are capable of doing now that their import players are on the board.
GAME PREDICTION
Given the recent form and key player absences, the game between Zaragoza Hurricanes and Mallorca Voltors seems poised for a tightly contested battle. While Voltors have demonstrated resilience led by Quarterback Zahir Wilder and Wide Receiver Calum Davidson, the Hurricanes, buoyed by their recent victory, possess a formidable receiving corps and a solid secondary. However, the absence of key offensive lineman Gabriel Rodríguez could pose a challenge for the Hurricanes.
Considering their recent encounter in the Spanish Cup, where Voltors emerged victorious, they might have a slight edge. Yet, with both teams now fielding their import players, the game could swing in either direction. It's likely to be a closely fought match with the outcome determined by key plays and strategies implemented on game day.
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