One of the best games on AFI TV this weekend features the Ssanyong Danube Dragons visiting crosstown rivals, the Dacia Vienna Vikings.
This Austrian Football League matchup features two teams that looked dominant in their season openers.
SsangYong Danube Dragons @ Dacia Vienna Vikings, April 10, 14:00 CET (08:00 am ET)
The Vikings defeated the Mödling Rangers 41-7 two weeks ago in the season opener in Mödling. Quarterback Eystin Salum ran for three touchdowns and threw for 128 yards. The Vikings offense marched down the field with a steady diet of running back Florian Wegen, who finished with 119 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. This week, look for receiver Mitchell Paige to be far more involved in the offense. The Vikings and quarterback Eytsin Salum are excited for the challenge of facing an excellent Dragons team.
“This week we are facing a great team in the Dragons. We will need to have another all around team effort. We have to improve from our film of last week and the bye week has given us more time to continue to grow our cohesion as an offense. We look forward to the challenge and we’re excited to face another top team in the league.”
Against the Rangers offense, Vienna was led by defensive end Leon Balogh who finished the game with three sacks. Defensive backs Benjamin Straight and Elmauthaler Moriz were key factors in shutting down the Rangers offense. This week they will have a much tougher task against a high-flying Dragons passing attack.
The Ssangyong Danube Dragons go into this game after a big 35-16 victory against the Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants. As the game wore on, the physicality of the Dragons started to show. They are a team with size, strength, and attitude. The star Dragon in the win was quarterback Chad Jeffries. The veteran passer threw for five touchdowns against the Graz defense and is feeling confident about his 2021 team:
“I believe we have a great team that knows what it takes to win. I think we just need to trust our game plan and everyone do their jobs and we will be fine. We can’t make the game bigger than it is and just focus on playing as “ONE TEAM.”
Defensively, Danube featured a ferocious pass rush in their season opener, led by Austrian defensive lineman Bernhard Mosor. This performance up front was complimented by solid play on the back end by Albrecht Florian and Schachner Paul. The Dragons will need another great defensive showing to slow down a talented Vikings team come Saturday.
This matchup features two AFL teams looking to prove to that they are legit contenders for the Austrian Bowl. This Saturday they have a chance to show the league if they are ready or not.
Watch the game live here. SsangYong Danube Dragons @ Dacia Vienna Vikings, April 10, 14:00 CET (08:00 am ET)
Dacia Vienna Vikings roster (click image to enlarge)
Danube Dragons roster (Click image to enlarge)
