The Bydgoszcz Archers (1-0) will play host to the Krakow Kings (1-0) in this early season matchup of undefeated teams in the Polish Football League.
Both squads are considered by PFL fans to be dark horse candidates for the title and will have to prove to the rest of the league that they are legit championship contenders.
The Krakow Kings won a nail bitter two weeks ago against the Silesia Rebels 21-20. The game came down to a last second two-point conversion where the Kings defense made the clutch stop. Defensively, Kings linebacker Filip Swiechowicz made the game-winning tackle, along with a huge hit in the second quarter earning him defensive player of the game.
Offensively, Krakow had three turnovers which kept their opponents in the game. Their offense came almost exclusively from running back Alonzo Brock who ran ran for over a hundred yards and scored all three of the teams’ touchdowns. Look for the Kings and quarterback Filip Mościcki to involve Brock in the passing game more as they look to be able to score through the air and the ground against an athletic Archers defense.
Krakow Kings @ Bydgoszcz Archers, May 1, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Filip Mościcki on the matchup with Bydgoszcz:
The Archers have a very good team this year. The additions of the ex-Gydnia Seahawks players last year, alongside the emergence of polish talent like Wojciech Perz, coupled with imported stars such as Jake Schimenz, Arek Cieślok, Javier Carrasco, and Robbie Wallace make them a true contenders. We welcome the challenge. For us to win out this year we’ll need to beat every team. However, all we are concentrating on this week is the Archers game. To come out victorious it’ll be paramount for us to execute the gameplan prepared by Coaches Łodziński and Jackson, force turnovers, while moving the ball, and not shooting ourselves in the foot on offence and special teams like a week ago.
For the visiting Archers, they go shooting into their second game of the season with a lot of momentum after beating the Warsaw Eagles 49-7. The blowout came in part to an excellent game from Archers quarterback Jake Schimenz, whose improvisational and athletic playing style was exciting to watch as he extended plays and was able to find his receivers downfield and move the sticks running the ball.
On defense, Bydgoszcz played well harassing the quarterback, forcing turnovers, and even scoring on a fumble recovery. They will have a tougher task this week facing a powerful Kings running game.
Defensive back Javier Carrasco on last week’s win and the upcoming matchup with Krakow:
Winning in your season opener is always a great feeling, the game was a excellent example of great teamwork and a team effort. I feel we have a couple things to improve like everyone. We have the players and the talent to make it happen week after week. We are ready to play against Krakow Kings this Saturday and we will set the tone from the first Kickoff.
This game has all the making of a close one as these two teams talents matchup well with each other. It will be a excellent test to see how these playoff contenders matchup with each other in the early part of the Polish Football League season.
Watch the game live here. Krakow Kings @ Bydgoszcz Archers, May 1, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Bydgoszcz Archers roster (Click to enlarge)
Krakow Kings roster (Click to enlarge)
