Classic game in Austria this weekend; Swarco Raiders set to battle Dacia Vienna Vikings

The first big tilt of the young season in Austria pits the defending champion Swarco Raiders against the perennial contender and multi title winning Dacia Vienna Vikings. 

Both clubs earned lopsided victories in the first week of play in Austria. The Raiders exploded for 35 points in the second quarter and rolled to a 62-14 win over the Traun SteelSharks while Vienna scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to trounce the Ljubljana Silverhawks 49-14.

In 2016, Swarco dominated the Vikings whipping them 30-7 and 49-7. Raiders head coach Shuan Fatah is expecting a different Vikings team this weekend:

“We are expecting the Vikings to be much more explosive than last year and a team that can play tough football for four quarters. It’s a home game and we do not want to lose it here. We will be well prepared and look forward to this classic. I do not have to motivate a player anymore. Everyone is hot on this game. “

This year, Vienna has signed an American quarterback for the first time in eight years. Team USA’s gold winning quarterback Kevin Burke leads the Vikings offense. He got off to a good start in his first game behind center last week completing 24 of 38 passes and throwing for four touchdowns. Wide receiver Bernhard Raimann also had a superb game catching 10 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

Vienna’s defense will be put to the test in this game. Swarco has so many playmakers. Raiders quarterback Sean Shelton is one key playmaker and was as usual dangerous last week, completing 15 of 25 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns in the game against the Steel Sharks. He also scored another touchdown on the ground. The Platzgummer brothers had an outstanding day as well. Running back Sandro Platzgummer rushed for three touchdowns while his brother wide receiver Adrian Platzgummer caught three balls for 67 yards and two touchdowns.