Austria Drowns France in Graz; Advance to Face Germany in Final!
THE ACTION
Austria came out of the gate fast. Running back Andreas Hofbauer picked up a few first downs before a deep pass from quarterback Christopher Gross to Clemens Erlsbacher put Austria in the red-zone. On the ensuing down, Hofbauer broke loose from a French tackler for 19 yards and the days first score. Austria strikes first, 7-0.
Heavy rain and the Austrian defense stymied the French offense. After a three-and-out and punt, Austria was on the move again. On the first play of the drive Hofbauer tore around the near left side of the Austrian line going untouched for a spectacular 72-yard touchdown run.
At this time the sky fully opened up the downpour commenced. Amid the deluge both team’s offensives struggled to move the chains. French quarterback Perez Mattison was intercepted by Markus Krause. Austria’s offense failed to move the ball and traded punts with the French on three consecutive possessions. The French defense began to dominate at the line of scrimmage and was putting Christopher Gross under tremendous pressure. As the first quarter ended the UPC Arena began to look like a swampland.
The rain eased in the second quarter, and Austria had to start a drive at their own 1 yard line after a strong punt by the French. After failing to convert, the Austrians punted and gave up a great return to the dangerous French returner Guillaume Rioux. This allowed France to get in field goal range with 50 seconds left in the half. A successful 42-yard field goal by Boris Bede cut lead to 14-3 as both teams went to the locker rooms.
