The Silesia Rebels Katowice (1-2) will host the Bialystok Lowlanders (2-1) Sunday, May 30, in the second of the two games played in the Polish Football League this weekend.
Both teams are coming off of losses. Last week, the Rebels dropped a 27-12 decision to the Tychy Falcons while Bialystok were defeated 21-6 by the league-leading Bydgoszcz Archers.
The home team Rebels Katowice will have to contain an athletic quarterback for the second game in a row as the Lowlanders dual threat passer Derrick Evans will be looking to scramble often. Expect Russian linebacker Mikhail Dezhin (#4) to have a quarterback spy role in order to keep Evans from moving the chains with his legs. In the secondary, French defensive back Hadrien Lynda (#9) will be a key in trying to contain a talented group of Lowlanders receivers.
Białystok Lowlanders @ Silesia Rebels, May 30, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 07:00 am ET)
Lynda commented on the Rebels matchup with Bialystok:
“The team is working hard to erase the mistakes of the previous game. The team is ready to receive the Lowlanders, we just have to hope that the god of football is not against us, as he was against Tychy with a lot of errors in games, refereeing. it’s going to be a good match this Sunday.”
After a slow start in their last game, the Silesia offense will be looking to get in the endzone early and often against a solid Bialystok defense. It remains to be seen if dynamic playmaker Devion Young will play after he sustained an injury in their last game. If Young is unable to go this week, the Rebels will be without their X-factor as he’s been a key contributor in all three phases of the game this season.
Silesia quarterback Jon Mullin commented on the Rebels mindset for this weekend:
“ We are preparing for Bialystok like we would for any team, and I believe we will execute better. Every game is personal to me but this one sits above all since these guys are my former teammates and I hope for nothing but a clean and physical game.”
The visiting Lowlanders suffered their first loss of the season last week in a close game against the Bydgoszcz Archers, 21-14. Offensively, turnovers held back the Bialystok offense, as three interceptions factored in the close loss. Although quarterback Derrick Evans who had returned to the field after missing one game with an injury, struggled at times, the former Carson Newman University (NCAA D2) signal caller threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Expect the dynamic dual threat passer to play better as his injury continues to heal and build chemistry with his new team. Look for the Lowlanders offense to make big plays against a beat-up Rebels defensive unit.
Evans is expecting the offense to continue to improve:
“We are getting a better since I’ve came back. We aren’t all the way 100%, but we are working to get there. It felt good to be back out there Saturday with the team even though we didn’t get the W we still competed and fought to the end.”
Defensively, the Lowlanders feature a fierce pass rush that should able disrupt the Rebels passing game today. Defensive linemen Eryk (#52) and Konrad Paszkiewicz (#51) are two strong brothers who specialize in getting to the quarterback. In the secondary, defensive back Jamie Cumberbatch (#2) is a ball hawking safety whose speed makes him a great centerfielder for the Bialystok defense.
Cumberbatch commented on the Lowlanders success defensively this season:
“The key to our defense’s success is 11 men all doing our job for four quarters. We have the best D-line in Poland which makes things easier on our back seven. As long as we compete every down we will see success.”
The Lowlanders are eager to get back to the top of the standings after dropping their first game last week. Expect the Rebels to be ready to go after a week off in what should be a great game in the Polish Football League.
Watch the game live here. Białystok Lowlanders @ Silesia Rebels, May 30, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 07:00 am ET)
Silesia Rebels Katowice roster
Bialystok Lowlanders roster
