PREVIEW: AFC Mödling Rangers v. Swarco Raiders

Swarco Raiders (4-0) await AFC Rangers Mödling (2-1) for Austria Football League showdown

Swarco Raiders head coach Shuan Fatah is well aware of the Mödling Rangers strengths. The Rangers sit behind the Raiders in second place in Austria after week three. After coming back to beat the Wroclaw Panthers 33-20 in a Central European Football League (CEFL) international match the week prior, the Raiders have a disadvantage as their opponents have had two weeks of preparation and recuperation.

Mödling has started the Austrian season off strong with wins over the Danube Dragons and Cineplexx Blue Devils, who currently sit in fifth place after a loss to the Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants. One of their advantages against the team from Innsbruck will be the usage of three imports compared to the Raiders’ two on game day.

After a come-from-behind win in the CEFL against the Poles, the Raiders are confident they will be able to handle the upcoming challenge. Going in as early favorites to win the match, the Swarco Raiders are aware of Mödling’s ability to surprise. Compared to last year’s team they will be unpredictable, especially with four new imports on teh roster.

All eyes will be on the playmakers on both sides, beginning with Raiders wide receiver/kicker Fabian Abfalter. His consistency and coolness under pressure might very well be the key to winning this game. Trying to get him into field goal range or setting his kicker up for PAT’s is teammate Tobias Bonatti, who has used his time in the Austrian military to improve upon his running back skills, scoring three touchdowns already this season.

Trying to keep the Rangers out of the end zone will be the job of linebacker Simon Hoser, who, with 19 solo tackles and 14 assists, is having a great season and currently is regarded as one of the AFL’s best defenders.

Trying to pull off the upset, the Rangers rely on a trio of offense playmakers. Count on quarterback Taurice Scott to target his favorite receiver Roman Namdar early and often, as the leading receiver in the AFL with 19 catches for 297 yards and seven touchdowns will try to replicate his previous performances. On the ground the running attack will be led by Florian Wegan, who was ejected from the game against the Giants. In three games, Wegan has rushed for 137 yards and four touchdowns.