Its playoff time in Poland! The undefeated Wroclaw Panthers will host the Bydgoszcz Archers, Saturday, October 31.
The Panthers go into this game with a 6-0 record and are the number 1 seed in in the league. The Archers have snuck into the playoffs finding themselves the fourth and final seed after posting a 2-3 record in the regular season.
Wroclaw has been dominant all year. Scoring over 40 points per game on average and smothering their opponents defensively. The Panthers defensive unit has showed strength, speed, and great technique as they have been creating turnovers and shutting out many teams through the season. Defensive end Thiadric Hansen has been a dominant edge rusher for them, making plays all over the field. Offensively, the Panthers have the league leader in touchdown passes with quarterback Bartek Dzeidzic. Dzeidzic’s favorite receiver Wictor Zeiba is also a league leader with eight touchdown catches. Two weeks ago, they dominated the number two seeded Bialystok Lowlanders 37-13, flexing their dominance over the rest of the Polish league. Unfortunately, in that game running back Ryan Tuiasoa, who is responsible to nine touchdowns this season, went down with an injury. Ryan Tuiasoa on the matchup:
“We had a slow start against the Lowlanders, and I think this gave us a wakeup call that we need to be ready to start fast from the beginning against anyone. Jumping out early has been huge for us all year. ”
Polish Semifinals: Bydgoszcz Archers @ Wroclaw Panthers, Oct. 31, 13:00 CET (07:00 ET)
The Bydgoszcz Archers lost last week to the Falcons 30-0 and have had some injuries this year. Look for them to bounce back and play well against the Panthers. In order too so they will need French running back Meril Zero to show off the speed that has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in Poland. The former New Yorker Lions running back has flashed tremendous playmaking ability this season. If he is healthy, look for Zero be the focal point of the Archers offense. Defensively if Bydgoszcz wants to shut down the Panthers potent offense they will need the defensive line to set up and hold the line of scrimmage so linebacker Kadel King can run free and make tackles. King on the matchup:
“It’s going to take us clicking on all cylinders for four quarters. The defense is going to have to constantly make some big stops. The offense needs to make big plays all game and our special teams need to manage field position.”
The Panthers are the hunt for another championship. But they can’t feast if they look past an Archers team that is deceptively talented. Look for Wroclaw to be sharp and punch their ticket to the championship game.
Watch the game live here. Polish Semifinals: Bydgoszcz Archers @ Wroclaw Panthers, Oct. 31, 13:00 CET (07:00 ET)
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Wroclaw Panthers roster
Bydgoszcz Archers roster
