Carthage Football started out fast and strong maintaining a steady, dominant presence as they defeated a select team of American football players from Spain, primarily the Catalonia region, finishing the contest with a 61-6 victory. The international 'friendly' was a tremendous developmental experience for the aspiring and improving players in Spain who have come to love the benefits of American football. The game was also a featured highlight of a more than week-long international education and growth experience for Carthage Firebirds student-athletes. This was Carthage Football's second tour abroad with American Football Worldwide following their tour to Italy in 2016. Firebirds Football hopes to return to tour and compete abroad in 2025 when NCAA rules permit their return.

The Firebirds sprinted to a 7-0 lead on their initial drive with a touchdown run by Rey Guajardo. The Spanish team rallied, moving inside the Carthage 20-yard line, but a sack and errant snap stymied the home team's drive. Shortly afterward, Sylvere Campbell turned a short completion into a spectacular long run for the Firebird's second touchdown. The Firebirds subsequently blocked a punt that turned into a touchdown staking Carthage to a 23-0 1st quarter lead.

In the 2nd quarter, Spain rallied for a drive that culminated with a 29-yard touchdown pass to pull within 29-6. However, Campbell took the subsequent kick-off back for six squandering any illusion of a comeback by the Spanish team. The first half ended with the Carthage Firebirds leading 31-6.

The second half still belonged to the Firebirds as all players on both rosters enjoyed extensive playing time in this rare and special international game. The Carthage defense also got in on the scoring with an interception return for a touchdown as the Firebirds hit the trifecta scoring in all three phases of the game. 

The Spanish team showed flashes of strong play but coming together as a select team made it challenging for them to sustain consistent success against a well-tuned Carthage football team. Afterward, players from both teams shared stories and photos at a social gathering at the stadium. The contest took place before the practice of the Barcelona Dragons, Spain's entry into the European Football League.

Though the opportunity to represent Carthage Football and the USA in international competition was an absolute highlight of this impactful tour, the uniquely valuable education and self-growth experience provided by international travel was of tremendous value to the 37 Carthage student-athletes who took part in the journey. 

During their stay in northeast Spain, Carthage players, along with members of the football staff and some team family members, visited Figueres and Girona, Spain, during a multi-day stay in the resort town of Santa Susanna in Costa Brava, Spain. In the subsequent days, the tour party thoroughly explored and enjoyed the fascinating city of Barcelona situated along the Mediterranean Coast, taking educational tours of the medieval BarriGatic area, the Barcelona Cathedral, and the incomparable Sagrada Familia, and nearby Montserrat. 

Carthage Football resumes its competitive season on September 3 at Albion College in Michigan.