The Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants (2-3) head into Vienna to take on the Dacia Vienna Vikings (5-1) in a highly anticipated Austrian Football League rematch. The Giants and Vikings met just two weeks ago producing a wild 42-35 overtime thriller that saw the Vikings sneak out of Graz with a victory.
The Vikings play host today in Vienna as this game is part of their annual “Charity Bowl XXII presented by VELO” series, a long-standing game where the Vikings use their platform to give back to a charitable cause. This time, it will be the first Vikings home game of the season with fans back in the stands. Like every year since 1999 the proceeds from the “Vikings Charity Bowl XXII” will go to Licht ins Dunkel (Light in the Darkness), a non-profit centred around helping disadvantaged families and children. As a bonus Vikings fans will enjoy a halftime performance from Austrian pop star duo King & Potter.
Between the white lines, the Vikings are coming off of a tough loss to the Swarco Raiders in the Central European Football League. In that game, the Vikings offense struggled as fumbles ended up costing them in a tight 20-13 loss. Look for Vienna to get back to the ground game and feature Florian Wegan more today as he has been one the leagues premiere back this season. In the passing game young receiver Daniel Schwam has been on fire the last games and has become a go to guy for quarterback Eystin Salum.
Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants @ Dacia Vienna Vikings, June 5, 17:00 CET, (5 pm, 11:00 am ET)
Schwam commented on finally getting to play at home again:
“We are looking forward to finally playing at home with our fans. In any case, this will be a factor and motivates us extremely. We’ll be better prepared than last time and set the tempo. Offensively as well as defensively and in the special teams, we have made adjustments. We have the feeling that we still have a lot to prove.”
Defensively, the Vikings played well, forcing two interceptions against the Raiders. Safety Luis Horvarth was one of the games standouts making several big hits. Look for his play to be crucial today as the Vikings are facing a dangerous Graz passing attack.
Horvarth on his team’s attitude going into this game:
“The overtime win was awesome because we won and we really battled to the last second, although we were trailing in the first half. I think this is what makes our team one of the best Europe because we never give up and always play hard. That’s why I’m so confident his team right now, because the only thing we have to do is start fast. Start the game being physical and play Vikings football in our home field.”
Graz looks to bounce back from its overtime loss at home and steal this game from Vienna in front of their home fans. Offensively quarterback Conor Miller, receiver Darrell Adams, and running back Rock Wenzel stole the show putting up 35 points and nearly 500 yards of offense.
Miller commented on the rematch with Vienna:
“We learned last time that you can’t play only three quarters against elite teams like the Vikings, it takes four quarters of execution. We will need to put in a complete performance in a tough environment on Saturday, but I know we will be ready.”
Defensively look for linebacker Thomas Schnurrer to make some big plays trying to contain the opposing Vikings running game. Look for the Giants defense to come into this game ready with some new formations and blitzes against an offense that they know first-hand.
Fans should expect another great game out of these two evenly matched teams. It took overtime to pick a winner two weeks ago and today could easily be the same story. The Vikings come into this game beat up from a tough loss against the Raiders while the Giants had the week off. All this to say there is upset potential in this one.
Watch the game live here. Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants @ Dacia Vienna Vikings, June 5, 17:00 CET, (5 pm, 11:00 am ET)
Dacia Vienna Vikings roster
Graz Giants roster
