One of two Polish Football League matchups this week features the Warsaw Mets (0-2) visiting the Bydgoszcz Archers (2-0).
These two teams are not as far apart as their records might show. The Mets two losses have been extremely close while the Archers two wins have been against teams with losing records.
The Bydgoszcz Archers defense has looked dominant in the early part of the season. Two weeks ago, against the Krakow Kings, the Archers defensive unit forced three turnovers leading to another victory. One standout in that game was linebacker Robbie Wallace who blocked a field goal and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery, his second touchdown of the season.
Warsaw Mets @ Bydgoszcz Archers, May 15, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 08:00 am ET)
Wallace commented on the keys to the Archers defensive success this season:
“These guys have been playing lights out. Everything starts in practice. The turnovers happened because everybody studies film and ends up in the right spots at the right time. We try to give our offense as many opportunities to score as possible and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Offensively, Bydgoszcz has been able to run the ball well behind an experienced offensive line. This running attack is complemented well by their unorthodox passing game as the main chunk of their offense has been created by quarterback Jake Schimenz’s improvisational playing style and running ability. The former Brazilian league standout has quickly made a name for himself as one Poland’s most exciting quarterbacks to watch.
On the other sideline, the Warsaw Mets and former University of Texas quarterback David Ash are still looking for their first win of the season. Two weeks ago, they suffered another close loss, falling just short of a victory against the Bialystok Lowlanders 26-12. Ash and head coach Jake Hale will be looking for different ways to move the ball and put-up points against a solid Archers defense.
Defensively, the Warsaw Mets added Finnish defensive back Rufail Khalifa this week. Khalifa is a tall and athletic corner back who has been a staple of the Wasa Royals defense in Finland’s competitive Maple League for many years. Expect Khalifa to help take away the opponent’s best receiver as his athletic traits and ball skills give him the potential to lock down opposing receivers. Overall, the Mets defense has played well this season, making clutch fourth quarter stops to keep the Mets competitive in both of their games this season.
Warsaw linebacker Zachary Blair on the Mets defensive matchup with a talented Archers squad:
“We have a tough meeting this week with the Archers. They have playmakers all over the field. But as we get healthier after a rough first two weeks of injuries, we are going into this week hungry. If we do our jobs and play with energy, we can help put the offense in good position to score some points and hopefully turn this season around.”
This game could help shows fans of the Polish Football League if the Warsaw Mets can hang with some the best teams in Poland. For the Archers, they want to continue winning and proving their doubters wrong as they slowly make a case for the country’s best team.
Watch the game live here. Warsaw Mets @ Bydgoszcz Archers, May 15, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 08:00 am ET)
Bydgoszcz Archers roster
Warsaw Mets roster
