In their first international venture of the year, the Emirates American Football League Falcons will have their work cut out as they face a hungry Ukrainian side armed with a slimmed-down roster.
After victories over Kazakhstan’s Almaty Titans and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah back in April, the Falcons are expected to be challenged by the Kiev Patriots today.
Playing on home soil, the Patriots have their own motivation for the game as they hope to showcase American football to their nation. As such, they’ve been heavily advertising the clash and creating a buzz around the contest to drum up interest.
Not only will the Falcons have to deal with a side eager to prove itself, but will do so with a relatively shorthanded squad. The roster features 20 players, many of whom will be thrust into bigger roles with the absence of notable names like Zavier Cobb, Vivaldi Tulysse, Luke Norrey, Davion Miller, Jay Hall, Alex Rodriguez and more.
The running game has particularly been a strength of the Falcons over the past two years, but with multiple stars missing from the backfield, players like Taylor Avritt will be leaned on to carry the ball.
With Cobb’s absence, Justin Johnson is likely to get time under centre and command the offence. Johnson flashed his arm strength and showed promise in the blowout win over Jeddah when he connected with Cobb on a deep pass for a touchdown.
Many of the other Falcons on the trip may not have been standout players in those April wins, but did have solid contributions, like Lorrence Reid who returned the opening kick-off for a score against Jeddah.
The challenge facing Falcons head coach Kyle Jordan today (UAE: 15:00) is getting the players in sync and prepared without ideal practice time.
“The tough part, the disadvantage we have is that we don’t practice together as a team too often,” said Jordan. “This is one of the first trips where we’re getting three practices before we take off, and we’re still not able to get everybody here to get cohesion among the personnel, get timing down and all those sorts of things.”
On the defensive side, the Falcons will have their hands full slowing down elusive running back Dileel Bartley, who is expected to be utilised heavily in all facets.
Patriots coach Jeff Vinall said: “He can run the football, but he also helps us out in the passing game as a receiver and as a pass protector.”
