The Vienna Vikings who are undefeated so far in Austria this season will play host to their arch rivals the Swarco Raiders Sunday in the annual Charity Bowl.
This is the first meeting between these two clubs this season and the first since Swarco’s dominant win in the Austrian final over the Vikings in 2015.
The 13 time Austrian champion Vikings enter the game with a 5-0 record while Swarco dropped a game surprisingly a week ago to the Graz Giants and have a 4-1 record.
Raiders quarterback Sean Shelton is fourth in the Austrian league in passing having thrown for 1,259 yards and 10 touchdowns while Alexander Thury is not far behind in sixth with 748 yards passing and seven touchdowns with teammate Christoph Gubisch two spots back with 650 yards and also seven touchdowns.
Dominik Bundschuh & Clemens Erlsbacher Photos: Holly Kellner, Gridiron Photography
Vikings receiver Dominik Bundschuh has 20 receptions for 315 yards and four touchdowns after having an outstanding game against Prague with 229 yards and three touchdowns. Clemens Erlsbacher is the Raiders leading receiver with 308 yards in receptions and two touchdowns.
The rushing attack of both teams is about even with Vienna running back Islaam Amadu in third with 445 yards on 69 carries while Swarco’s Sandro Platzgummer has 43 carries for 420 yards and six touchdowns.
The Vikings have the stingiest defense in the league this year so far having allowed only 37 points in five games with Swarco right behind having given up 50.
Expect plenty of fireworks as both head coaches – Chris Calaycay of the Vikings and Swarco’s Shuan Fatah – know each other well. The two teams have played each other in the past five Austrian championship games with the Vikings holding a 3-2 edge.
This will be a great one.