Austria: Graz Giants edge Swarco Raiders in thrilling AFL showdown

The Graz Giants (3-1) narrowly defeated the Swarco Raiders Tirol (1-3) 28-27 in a back-and-forth Austrian Football League classic on April 26 at American Football Center Innsbruck, witnessed by over 800 fans.

Giants strike first
Graz opened scoring with a short TD pass, capped by a PAT. The Raiders’ defense initially struggled, but momentum shifted in the second quarter with a 41-yard punt return. A 15-yard rushing TD and PAT tied the game at 7-7.

Raiders rally, Giants counter
Graz responded instantly: a kick return set up a deep strike, finished with a 1-yard plunge for a 14-7 lead. Undeterred, Swarco marched 98 yards, capped by a 2-yard TD. A 21-yard rushing score then gave the Raiders their first lead (21-14) at halftime.

Scoreless third sets stage for drama
Defenses dominated the third quarter, but the final frame delivered fireworks. Graz tied it at 21-21 via another 1-yard rush and PAT. Swarco answered with a 70-yard drive, ending with a 1-yard TD. The blocked PAT proved costly.

Final-minute heartbreak
With 35 seconds left, Graz bolted nine yards for the tying TD. A clutch PAT secured a 28-27 lead. Swarco’s last-ditch drive fell short, sealing Graz’s comeback.

Coaches reflect
“This defeat is bitter, but we’ve taken a step forward,” said Raiders HC Dominik Bauer, praising his team’s grit. Graz HC Stefan Pokorny credited “big plays” and resilience: “We turned it around despite their physicality.”

The Giants now sit atop the AFL standings, while the Raiders’ progress signals a team on the rise despite the agonizing loss.