In one of two cross-border contests in the Austrian Football League today, the Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants (1-1) will travel to Prague in the Czech Republic to take on the unbeaten Black Panthers (2-0).
Prague has opened the AFL season with two straight wins, beating the Mödling Rangers 48-14 and then downing the Salzburg Ducks 17-7. Graz beat the Traun Steelsharks 41-25 but then were surprised by the Rangers 26-25.
Despite the Giants loss at the hands of Mödling, both sides are still pegged to be in the running for an Austrian Championship come July.
Graz import receiver Darrell Adams is again proving to be one of the league’s most dominant receivers, recording 294 yards and three touchdowns in two games. He is also now joined by his college teammate, quarterback Tyrone Willaims (Azusa Pacific), who has thrown for 694 yards and nine touchdowns in the two games. The Williams-Adams school connection definitely adds an extra layer to the bond a quarterback and receiver share.
On the other side of the ball, the Black Panthers have managed to deploy strategy and toughness on both sides of the ball, producing one of the league’s best defenses. They have allowed just 21 points in two games so far. With Javarian Smith behind center, the offense has done its job, averaging almost 33 points a game. Smith has thrown for 423 yards and five touchdowns in the two games and his main targets are Kamil Roba who has 12 catches for 146 yards and Canadian wide receiver Ben von Jagow has 12 receptions for 82 yards and two scores.
If Black Panthers wish to continue their win streak however, they will need to up their offensive output to keep up with Darrell Adams as they may not have the personnel to shut him down.