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MEXICO CITY -- Armed with local celebrities, custom craft beer and hoping to capitalize on the country's football fever, the Liga de Futbol Americano (LFA) officially began its second season in Mexico, looking to become the nation's premier pro league. The Saltillo Dinos defeated the Monterrey Fundidores by a score of 33-16 in the opener. The six-team league's Week 1 slate was completed on Sunday, with the Mexico State Raptors beating the Mexico City Condors 13-10, and the local battle between the Eagles and the Mayas (both located in Mexico City) ending with a 33-21 win for the Eagles. The rivalry game in the nation's capital also featured the debut of Jorge Leon, a kicker who with no prior amateur or pro football experience. Leon became a star on the internet when he began posting videos displaying his kicking prowess, often inviting Mexican celebrities to duel with him. Originally setting out to try out for an NFL team, Leon went 2-2 on field goals from 46 and 49 yards, respectively. He did, however, miss two extra points. “There are details I need to get better on, I know what I did right and wrong, Leon told the league's official website. Looking to garner support among local football fans, the league also rolled out a line of craft beers from a local brewer, customized for each of the league's teams. Following the NFL's initial announcement to return to Mexico prior to the 2016 season, the LFA kicked off in February of last year, with the Mayas winning the inaugural championship.
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