Austria: Danube Dragons run roughshod over Swarco Raiders Tirol

The Danube Dragons (2-0) delivered a dominating performance against the Swarco Raiders Tirol (0-2), securing a decisive 48-14 win in a game filled with explosive plays and defensive highlights.

First Half Dominance
The Dragons set the tone early when defensive back Matthias Rebl intercepted Raiders QB Stefan Maiacher, triggering a drive that ended with a flawless 34-yard TD pass from QB Alexander Reischl to Michael Schachermayr. Kicker Marcel Stefanek’s PAT made it 7-0. Rebl’s interception was followed by another pick from Jan Gebhardt, though the Dragons’ offense initially stalled. Reischl later connected with Bernhard Ruscher on a deep pass, setting up a rushing TD by Matthias Löcker (13-0). Despite a spectacular kickoff return TD by Raiders’ Ra’von Bonner to put the Raiders on the board, the Dragons responded swiftly with Reischl finding Schachermayr for a second TD, extending the halftime lead to 21-7.

Second Half Surge
The Dragons continued their dominance post-break, with Reischl launching a deep TD pass to rookie wide receiver Marvyn Acenas to boost the lead to 28-7. The defense stepped up again as Rebl returned another interception nearly the length of the field for a TD, followed by Lukas Schramm adding six more points. Stefanek’s PATs pushed the score to 41-7. The Raiders briefly rallied with Bonner’s second TD, but the Dragons sealed the game with Michael Zeiler’s final-yard TD run, ending at 48-14.

Coaches’ Reactions

Raiders HC Dominik Bauer:

“We lacked the mental momentum to finish… We move the ball but don’t close the deal.”

Dragons Assistant HC Florian Pos:

“I’m really pleased… We gave young players a chance, and they proved they belong in the AFL.”

Standings Update
With this win, the Danube Dragons join the Graz Giants at 2-0, continuing their early-season momentum in the AFL.