LIVESTREAM Poland: Olsztyn Lakers @ Bialystok Lowlanders, April 1, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am EDT)

The Polish Football League kicks off the 2023 season with the defending champion Bialystok Lowlanders hosting newcomers to the league this year, the Olsztyn Lakers.

The Lowlanders finished the 2022 regular season with a 5-1 record but then won their semifinal over the Tychy Falcons 40-16 and then took the championship game getting by the Krakow Kings 21-20. The Lakers were promoted to the top division for the first time since 2019 after dominating the Polish second division.

The reigning title holders led by head coach Troy Baker (in his third season with the team) will feature quarterback Clayton Uecker (University of Akron, NCAA Div. I) who played for the Recife Mariners (Brazil) in 2022. The 6’6″, 227 pound native of Akron, Ohio is taking the reins of an already potent offense. On defense, the front seven will rely on hard hitting linebacker Aaron Ortiz (University of Sioux Falls, NCAA Div. II).

The Lakers, who last played in the PFL in 2019, won the PFL 2nd division easily in 2022, overwhelming the Wroclaw Jaguars 58-0 in the final game. Key additions to the roster for 2023 including quarterback Mason McLaughlin (Charleston Southern and Butler University) and linebacker Elijah Aikens (Brockport University, NCAA Div. III) . The 6’1″, 200 pound Aikens, a native of Brooklyn, New York will provide speed in the Olsztyn front seven.

Olsztyn Lakers @ Bialystok Lowlanders, April 1, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am EDT)