LIVESTREAM Poland: Bydgoszcz Archers @ Warsaw Mets, Sept. 6, 14:00 CET (08:00 ET)
The Warsaw Mets will play host to the Bydgoszcz Archers on Sunday, September 6 in Poland’s Liga Futbolu Amerykańskiego, LFA, opening weekend of play in the shortened 2020 season.
The Mets finished their first season in Poland’s top league last year with a 4-4 record reaching the wild card playoffs where they were eliminated by the Tychy Falcons. Bydgoszcz is playing in the top division for the first time.
Warsaw features an offense with the versatile TJ Richardson starting at quarterback and running backs Arkadiusz Cieślok and Witold Szpotański with blocking provided by offensive linemen Paweł Brodzki and Mateusz Sławiński. In 2019, the offense averaged 23 points a game and proved they could score.
Bydgoszcz Archers @ Warsaw Mets, Sept. 6, 14:00 CET (08:00 ET)
Defensively, the Mets are also led by Richardson (Millersville University) in his role as defensive back. He is in his second year and is an invaluable part of the team. Rafał Michaluk also adds to the defensive back corps while the front seven is anchored by defensive lineman Mateusz Szczęk.
Mets head coach Matheus Dias:
“Earlier this year our season was suspended just a few days before kickoff, so it’s great to finally get into the first game of 2020. It’s been a challenging period with plenty of adjustments, but getting into our regular game-week protocols brings a long-awaited sense of normalcy.”
The Archers are entering the top tier of football in Poland for the first time and are led by veteran Canadian quarterback Luke Zetazate, who is entering his 14th season playing football in Europe and internationally:
“I think after the this layoffs we realize how much we love to play the game. There was a adjustment period at the restart but we really appreciate the opportunity to step on the field again.”
Joining Zetazate in the Bydgoszcz backfield is former Braunschweig New Yorker Lions running back Meril Zero while the receiving corps includes Mateusz Poneta (former Warsaw Mets) and Piotr Rudnicki (former Gdynia Seahawks). Up front, the offensive line features another former Gdynia Seahawk, Jakub Krystecki.
Defensive lineman Adam Izydorczyk and safety Wojtek Perz are two of the keys to the Archers defense.
This will be an interesting matchup with Zetazate’s experience possibly a key factor.
Watch the game live here. Bydgoszcz Archers @ Warsaw Mets, Sept. 6, 14:00 CET (08:00 ET)
Warsaw Mets roster (Click to enlarge)
Bydgoszcz Archers roster (Click to enlarge)