The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MAVIN Saunders’ rookie season ended just short of his team’s ultimate goal in Spain’s LNFA Serie-A.

Saunders finished with four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown but his LG Oled Las Rozas Black Demons lost 31-21 to the Lidertel Badalona Dracs in the title game on May 15.

It was the fifth consecutive Spanish Bowl title for the Dracs.

Saunders finished with five touchdown receptions on the season.

The 6’5” 258 pound tight end said his time spent in the second tier league in Spain has been a benefit to both his career and the club.

“We brought with us our expertise in the sport to a country where there are many players who have been hungry to learn,” Saunders said. “It’s been great to watch the players evolve every day.”

Saunders is now set to join the Helsinki Wolverines of the Vaahteraliiga, the top league of the American Football Association of Finland.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to continue playing the game of football. To God be the Glory,” he said. “I look forward to bringing my skills to Finland as well, and helping younger and more inexperienced players reach their full potential.”

The Wolverines advanced to the 2020 Maple Bowl but were defeated 21-0 by the Kuopio Steelers.