LIVESTREAM Austria: Dacia Vienna Vikings @ Swarco Raiders, June 20, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
The Swarco Raiders (6-1) will host the Dacia Vienna Vikings (7-1) in this Austrian powerhouse rivalry matchup.
This marks the third time these teams meet this year, as they’ve split to series so far. The Raiders look to keep their home streak going as they recently beat the Vikings in Innsbruck 20-13 as part of CEFL tournament.
The Raiders defensive line wrecked havoc in their last game against the Vikings, getting intense pressure on quarterback Eytin Salum and neutralizing running back Florian Wegen. Linebackers Alex Ferarri and defensive backs Thomas Kugler and Vincent Muller provide experience and athleticism on this defense, that has built a reputation for causing turnovers.
Dacia Vienna Vikings @ Swarco Raiders, June 20, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Offensively, quarterback Sean Shelton will look to target two-way star Davion Washington and speedy slot receiver Marco Schneider to give this offense more explosive plays. On the ground, the Raiders use Shelton’s speed and toughness as well as running back Romed Zangerle. Fans can expect Davion Washington to be crucial in this game as his two fourth quarter touchdowns helped seal the win last time these two teams met.
Raiders Davion Washington commented on the rivalry with Vienna:
“As usual we know it’ll be a challenge, and the guys are excited for it! We’re focused and ready to go to war!”
The Viking defense relies of strong secondary play from young defensive back Nikolaus Huszar and Leo Gerner. This strong secondary pairs well with Leon Balogh’s league leading seven sacks. Balogh and linebacker Lucky Ogbevoen give this defense a physicality and toughness that can intimidate opponents. 19-year-old Defensive back Nikolaus Huszar is a promising player in this Vienna secondary that coach Calaycay looks to build around. Huszar commented on getting ready for Raiders week:
“Raiders week is always something special for everyone on the team. You can feel that practice is a bit more tense than usual and the whole preparation is very detailed. All the players and coaches work towards perfection, because you really can’t afford any mistakes against a team like the Raiders.”
Another 19-year-old red haired defensive back for the Vikings came up big for them in their last matchup with the Raiders, as Leonhard Gerner made the game winning tackle giving Vienna the overtime victory against their bitter rivals back on April 24th. Gerner commented on what it’s like preparing for a raiders team they know so well:
“You can really feel the difference before these important games. Everybody is focused in, especially after the bye week. The coaches and veterans make sure that everybody, even the young bucks, are well prepared and ready to ball out.”
Offensively, athletic quarterback Eystin Salum has been dynamic for Vienna this season. Using his arm or his legs. Salum has consistently been able to move the sticks and put of points with this Vikings offense. Andrew Spencer and Florian Wegen are two running backs that matchup well with this Raiders defense. The Vikings will have to protect the ball as turnovers were a major catalyst for their CEFL tournament loss against the Raiders.
This game marks the third chapter is what has been unsurprisingly another great season of matchups between these two powerhouse programs. Today’s game will be the final matchup before the playoffs where the two seem to be on a collision course to meet in the Austrian Bowl for the fourth straight season.
Watch the game live here. Dacia Vienna Vikings @ Swarco Raiders, June 20, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Swarco Raiders roster
Dacia Vienna Vikings roster
