The Austrian Football League continues Sunday, April 25 as the Prague Black Panthers open their season by visiting the SsangYong Danube Dragons (1-1).
The Dragons are eager to bounce back after last week’s 38-28 loss to the Dacia Vienna Vikings, while Prague is looking forward to finally hitting the game field for the first time since 2019.
The Prague Black Panthers have been unable to participate in their first two scheduled matches due to COVID restrictions within the Czech Republic. The Black Panthers finally got the green light to play this weekend after weeks of uncertainty surrounding their playing status in the Austrian Football League. Head coach Petr Vitovec has brought in Zac Greenlee at quarterback. The former Fresno State and UTEP (NCAA D1) passer most recently played for the Dresden Monarchs in the German Football League in 2019 throwing for 3,027 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Prague Black Panthers @ SsangYong Danube Dragons, April 25, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Look for Greenlee to target Czech receivers Jan Stiegler and Jakub Wolesky often this season. Greenlee on how it feels to finally be playing after an all too long off-season:
“We’ve been doing our best to prepare for the first game, whenever it would be. Adversity has been constant, but that’s what football is all about. I’m glad we’ll be able to suit up this weekend, and I’m excited to see our guys compete.”
On defense, veteran Filip Ondrasek will bolster Prague’s secondary along with former North Carolina Central University (NCAA D1 FCS) corner back Nolan Corpening.
The SsangYong Danube Dragons are an exciting team looking to take the next step and become title contenders. This week they’ll be facing a Prague team with no film, and little information about their roster. For the Dragons, one bright spot in the loss to the Vikings was receiver Felix Reisacher who had three catches for 85 yards and a toe-tapping touchdown.
The Austrian receiver is not taking this Prague squad lightly:
“It’s difficult to prepare because they haven’t played a game in almost two years and we basically have no tape of them. We still expect a similar defense to their 2019 team though. They are very physical and aggressive on all levels, which we need to take advantage of.”
This game offers us a chance to see the Prague Black Panthers for the first time this season as they are finally able to return to play in the Austrian Football League. The matchup will also be a test to see how the SsangYong Danube Dragons respond to their loss in Vienna two weeks ago.
Watch the game live here. Prague Black Panthers @ SsangYong Danube Dragons, April 25, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Danube Dragons roster (Click to enlarge)
Prague Black Panthers roster (Click to enlarge)
