The Bydgoszcz Archers (6-0) will host the Silesia Rebels Katowice (3-4) in this Polish Football League Semifinal matchup.
The Archers are looking continue a dominant season, while the underdog Rebels search to extend their Cinderella story another chapter. In the only meeting between the teams this year, Bydgoszcz came away with an easy 34-0 shutout.
The Silesia Rebels Katowice snuck into the playoffs as the fifth seed after a 2-4 regular season record. The resilient team played a neck and neck game with the Warsaw Mets last week until the Mets went up 21-20 with under a minute remaining. After a few short passes, the Rebels got to their opponents 50-yard line with only 12 seconds left. Quarterback Jon Mullin rolled out to his left and launched a Aaron Rodgers like Hail-Mary that was hauled in right at the Pylon by Rebels receiver Ihor Lysenko . The improbable score propelled the Rebels to the semifinals, where an excellent Bydgoszcz team awaits them today.
Silesia Rebels Katowice @ Bydgoszcz Archers, July 3, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30am ET)
The Rebels will have to avoid turnovers as Archers linebacker Robbie Wallace and safety Javier Carrasco have been able to steal their team possessions with interceptions and forced fumbles. Defensively, the Rebels aim to contain the Archers speedy receivers and dual threat quarterback.
Bydgoszcz’s mobile quarterback Jake Schimenz has had an MVP regular season. The former Brazilian League MVP has joined the Polish Football League making a splash as his 1,508 yards and 21 touchdowns are among the league best. Look for him to target his go-to guy Tomasz Suchanek in this one.
Defensively, the Archers have been able to force turnovers all season. Robbie Wallace has been the main catalyst as he’s even scored three touchdowns on defense after snatching up the ball. The secondary is led by Spaniard Javier Carrasco who’s contributed 24 tackles and three interceptions in only six games.
The Archers have looked like to the team to beat after a dominant regular season. Bydgoszcz fans are looking forward to seeing their team in the Polish Bowl as they’ve risen quickly from Poland’s lower leagues to the number one seed. On the other sideline, the Rebels are looking to catch the Archers in a trap game and punch their own tickets to the Polish Bowl.
Watch the game live here. Silesia Rebels Katowice @ Bydgoszcz Archers, July 3, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30am ET).
Bydgoszcz Archers roster
Silesia Rebels Katowice roster
