After an unpredictable four weeks of play in the Austrian Football League mid-season is upon us. In this week’s five matchups the Dacia Vienna Vikings will host the Prague Black Panthers. Both teams have opened the season strong coming into the game at 3-1 and 4-0 respectively, positioning themselves as title contenders.
Prague is a physical team that has been competitive in the AFL for the last few years but has yet to break into the championship game. This year might be the year as the undefeated Black Panthers head to Vienna looking to earn a statement win on the road.
Dual-threat quarterback Javarian Smith, the Lake Erie College (NCAA Div. II) product, has put up 280 yards and six scores on the ground, and another 936 yards and 10 touchdowns passing. His favorite target has been veteran Canadian receiver Ben van Jagow so far this year. Defensively, Jan Krys is a standout for Prague making 19 tackles.
Vienna goes into this game on three game win-streak after suffering their first loss last weekend. Young Austrian quarterback Nico Rhouda has played well this season throwing for 966 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, Vienna has leaned heavily on running back Devontae Jordan. Jordan enters week five the league’s leading rusher by a large margin putting up 715 yards in four games. His best game came three weeks ago where he ran for 282 yards and seven touchdowns against a league-worst Swarco Raiders defense. Naturally, he’s an early favorite for league MVP.
After a blurry first part of the AFL season, these two teams have emerged as potential title candidates. Expect AFL fans around the world to be tuning in this one could have major playoff implications.