LPFA – Weeks 11 & 12 Recap

With the regular season entering its decisive stretch, Weeks 11 and 12 brought exactly the kind of football the LPFA needed: physical battles, a statement win from the league leaders, and a crucial result in the race for the final playoff spot. As the postseason picture starts to take shape, every game now carries extra weight — and this past stretch made that clearer than ever.

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Cascais Crusaders 21 – 14 Braga Warriors

One of the most competitive games of the season saw the Cascais Crusaders once again prove why they are among the most consistent teams in the league — but not without a fight.

The Braga Warriors came out strong and controlled large portions of the game, imposing their physical style and dictating the tempo early on. However, a recurring issue throughout their season resurfaced: the inability to maintain a lead. Despite being on top for much of the matchup, the Warriors could not close it out.

The Crusaders, on the other hand, stayed true to their identity. Even against such a physical opponent, they leaned heavily on their ground game and gradually took control. Salvador Bolzoni was the standout performer, delivering a dominant display on the ground that powered the comeback.

In the end, it was another composed and mature win for Cascais, while Braga is left wondering how a game they largely controlled slipped away once again.

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Lisboa Devils 16 – 7 Lisboa Navigators

If there were any doubts about who the true contenders are this season, this game answered quite a few.

In an extremely physical matchup, decided in the trenches, the Lisboa Devils and Lisboa Navigators delivered what felt like a playoff — or even championship-level — game.

Both teams leaned heavily on the running game, turning the contest into a battle of endurance and physicality. The Navigators, despite having a very mobile quarterback, were unable to establish their passing game, becoming one-dimensional offensively.

It was also a game marked by a high number of penalties, with officiating playing a significant role throughout the matchup — at times perhaps even too much, breaking the rhythm of what was otherwise a highly competitive contest.

The Devils did not necessarily dominate offensively, but they were more efficient in key moments. They controlled the tempo, capitalized on opportunities, and most importantly, won the physical battle.

The result means the Devils remain unbeaten, while the Navigators suffer their first loss of the season. Even so, this felt less like a setback and more like a preview of what could still come later in the year.

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Lisboa Bulldogs 18 – 8 Salgueiros Renegades

In Week 12, the Lisboa Bulldogs took a crucial step in the playoff race with a solid win over the Salgueiros Renegades.

It was a game defined by the Bulldogs’ defensive performance, as they successfully limited a Renegades offense that continues to search for consistency.

While not the most explosive matchup, it was a controlled and disciplined performance from the Bulldogs, doing exactly what was needed to secure the win.

More importantly, this result puts the Bulldogs level with the Warriors in the standings — setting up a decisive clash next week with a playoff spot on the line.

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What’s Next?

With the regular season nearing its end, next week promises to be one of the most decisive of the year.

• Devils vs Crusaders: The Devils will look to finish the regular season undefeated, but face one of their toughest challenges yet. The Crusaders will be eager to prove they can take down the league leaders and solidify their contender status.

• Warriors vs Bulldogs: A playoff game before the playoffs. With both teams tied, this head-to-head matchup will determine who claims the final postseason spot. Everything is on the line.

• Mutts vs Navigators: With their playoff position essentially secured, the Navigators may use this game to rotate players, test new schemes, or rest key contributors. Still, it will be an important opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the postseason.