Prague Black Panthers, Danube Dragons advance to Austrian semifinals

The Prague Black Panthers downed the SonicWall Mödling Rangers in a game that was closer than expected while the Danube Dragons got by the Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants in a game that was just as close as expected as the Austrian Football League wound up its Wild Card weekend.

Both Prague and the Dragons move to the semifinals this weekend. The Black Panthers will travel to Vienna to face the Dacia Vienna Vikings while the Dragons head to Innsbruck to take on the unbeaten Swarco Raiders.

Prague Black Panthers 35 – SonicWall Mödling Rangers  23

This game was supposed to be an easy win for Prague based on previous games between the two this season. It was far from it. The Rangers trailed 21-10 at the half but closed the gap to within five early in the fourth, 28-23, before Prague scored midway through the final period and then held on for the win. Former Rangers quarterback Dylan Potts was outstanding and scored three touchdowns while rushing for 154 yards. The AFL’s leading rusher, Prague running back Herbert Gamboa gained 235 yards on 23 carries and scored a touchdown to pace the Black Panthers.

The Black Panthers, #3 seed, will face the #2 seed Dacia Vienna Vikings on Sunday, July 14. Prague lost both their games against Vienna this year, 28-7 and 28-3.

Danube Dragons 24 – Project Spielberg Graz Giants 17

The Danube Dragons broke open a 17-17 tie early in the fourth quarter when Chad Jeffries tossed a 16 yard touchdown pass to Byron Rhone and then held on for the win. Jeffries threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns with Felix Reisacher his key target hauling in 10 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown while Reinhard Knaus and Rhone caught the other two. Knaus kicked a field goal and three extra points.

Danube, #4, now faces the #1 seeded Swarco Raiders on Saturday, July 13. The Dragons played Swarco once during the regular season, losing 34-14.

Photo credits: Photo Willfinger/Milan ‘Richtřik’ Richtr