Match report: Olsztyn Lakers – Warsaw Eagles, PFL1

In Sunday's North Group fixture, the Eagles from the capital dealt with the Lakers without much trouble. The hosts' problems began even before kick-off: from the very start they were without their American quarterback #15 Mason Mc Laughlin, and it showed from the first drive of the game. #13 Artur Paź, who had not played much this season, needed a good while to find his feet. The Eagles exploited that ruthlessly. On the very first play, #1 Jan Wawrzyniak threw a flawless pass to #3 Mateusz Poneta, who turned it into a touchdown. #81 Kornel Witkowski added the extra point (0:7). The visitors' defence gave the Lakers' offence no chance to get going, quickly shutting down possession after possession. At times it felt like kicking a man when he was down. The next touchdown came on a return by #9 Awal Umaru, and the kicker split the posts once again (0:14). In this hopeless situation the "orange" side's defenders stood out, saving their team from a heavier defeat on several occasions. Among others, these were #14 Kamil Zboch, #68 Kamil Polski, #22 Cyprian Wiącek and #44 Tomasz Sawicki. Thanks to them, we did not see any more points until after the break.

In the second half the Eagles rotated their line-up and gave their reserves some game time. One of them was quarterback #10 Antoni Wróbel, who broke into the opposition end zone on a solo run. The extra point was good (0:21). The quarterback settled into the game well and tried to make the most of his chance. Still in the third quarter, he spotted #13 Jakub Kubacki in the end zone and found him with a pass, which the receiver held on to. #81 Kornel Witkowski added one more point (0:28). After yet another sack, #13 Artur Paź had to leave the field. For the rest of the game the hosts' defence allowed the visitors only a field goal, kicked by #81 Kornel Witkowski.

"The game against the Lakers took a lot out of us. Our defence didn't give much away, and the Lakers lost their starting quarterback. You can't fault the Olsztyn lads for their will to play or their character. Unfortunately, as a newly promoted side they haven't managed to win a game yet. As a team they have individual talent and the potential to soon compete on equal terms in the top division.

I always try to perform at the highest level and execute the plays consistently. I have a very good position coach and defensive coordinator in none other than Deante Battle. The MVP award is a reward for the whole unit, which kept another clean sheet. Our defeat at the start of the season is history now, and we've already forgotten about it. As a team we're focused on winning every next game. We don't underestimate anyone and we stick to our game plan. The game in Olsztyn was just a taste of what's in store at Konwiktorska." – said MVP #5 Wojciech Perz, summing up the game.

The in-form Warsaw Eagles added another win to their record, which allowed them to stay top of the North Group. They cannot yet be sure of progressing to the next stage, however. Their plans could still be thwarted by the Warsaw Mets, whom the Eagles face away on 21 May.

With this defeat, AZS UWM Olsztyn Lakers ended their chances of reaching the play-offs. And the Olsztyn side's troubles don't end there. In this game we did not see their starting quarterback #15 Mason Mc Laughlin, while back-up #13 Artur Paź was forced off during the game. Those losses will be a tough nut to crack for the coaching staff. We will find out how the top-flight newcomers cope on 21 May, when the Lakers host Lowlanders Białystok.

AZS UWM Olsztyn Lakers — Warsaw Eagles (0:14, 0:0, 0:14, 0:3)

1st quarter

0:7 – touchdown on a 55-yard pass from #1 Jan Wawrzyniak to #3 Mateusz Poneta (successful 1-point PAT by #81 Kornel Witkowski)

0:14 – touchdown on a 60-yard return by #9 Awal Umaru (successful 1-point PAT by #81 Kornel Witkowski)

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

0:21 – touchdown on a 4-yard run by #10 Antoni Wróbel (successful 1-point PAT by #81 Kornel Witkowski)

0:28 – touchdown on a 3-yard pass from #10 Antoni Wróbel to #13 Jakub Kubacki (successful 1-point PAT by #81 Kornel Witkowski)

4th quarter

0:31 – 39-yard field goal by #81 Kornel Witkowski