Remember Chris Merchant? He didn't give up on his CFL dream after leaving the Als in 2019. He had signed with Wasa in Finland in 2020 but that fell apart because of Covid. On Saturday he led his Spanish team the Las Rozas Black Demons to an impressive 29-7 victory, defeating a team that had won 47 games in a row and won four consecutive national championships.

The 2017 Vanier Cup champion and reigning Hec Crighton Trophy winner was passed over by the CFL after being cut by the Montreal Alouettes ahead of the 2019 season, but he’s already making his presence felt overseas.

On Saturday, Merchant saw his first action in Europe, quarterbacking the Las Rozas Black Demons to a stunning 29-7 victory over the Badalona Dracs in Spain. While that accomplishment may mean little to Canadian football fans, it was a massive shift for European football.

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, the Dracs had won 47 consecutive games in Spanish action and claimed the last four national titles. While Spain’s Liga Nacional de Futbol Americano is considered a mid-tier league by European standards, the Dracs have been routinely competitive in international competition and are highly regarded across the continent.

In his victory over the Spanish powerhouse, Merchant looked like his vintage self from his days with the Western Mustangs, managing the game, making the necessary throws and extending plays with his legs. He finished 10-of-18 passing for 193 yards and a pick, while adding 46 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. A spectacular scrambling touchdown toss late in the first half was called back on a penalty.

The star Canadian’s arrival on the scene may mean a changing of the guard on the Iberian peninsula and it’s been a long-time coming. ...

Merchant and the Black Demons must now be considered the team to beat in Spain and the Canadian passer is just getting started. There are four games remaining in the Spanish regular season, with the potential for make-up games and playoff games on top of that, and Merchant hopes to use it to showcase his talent enough to get back to the CFL or jump to a larger international league.

Already one of the most accomplished players in U Sports history, conquering the world is simply next on the list.
https://3downnation.com/2021/02/14/c...spanish-debut/