Austrian Football League midseason recap: Graz Giants, Prague Black Panthers still unbeaten with 4 weeks left
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Loading... - Laoise Hogan
- 29 May 2023
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The Austrian Football League has been filled with thrilling moments and significant transformations compared to the previous season. While certain teams have made remarkable progress from their performance last year, others have experienced a decline in their rankings. As the AFL reaches its midpoint, let's delve into the progress of each team this season.
Under the guidance of new head coach Michael Mattingly, the Graz Giants have discovered their rhythm, turning their 3-7 record from 2022 into an undefeated streak in 2023. Quarterback Wyatt Smith has played a pivotal role in the team's success, leading the league in passing touchdowns (22) while committing only four turnovers. Running back Fritz Bleckmann has also been a standout performer, leading the league with 409 rushing yards. However, the Giants faced difficulties in their recent match against the Steelsharks (1-5), managing a 26-21 victory despite conceding two unanswered scores in the fourth quarter.
Graz will have ample time to recover and address any issues before their upcoming game against the reigning champions, the Danube Dragons, on June 4th.
Prague Black Panthers – Record: 5-0
Head coach Spencer Ford has built upon last season's impressive 8-3 record by adding outstanding quarterback Tyler Jarnagin to the team. Jarnagin has displayed remarkable skills, throwing 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions in his first five games. Additionally, he has contributed nearly 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
The Black Panthers have dominated in almost every game so far, except for a close 23-19 victory over the Danube Dragons in week four and a 41-34 win over Salzburg the previous week. The Panthers gained confidence from their 59-13 win over the Bears as they prepare to face the Patriots on June 5th.
Vienna Vikings – Record: 5-1
The runners-up of the 2022 Austrian Bowl, the Vienna Vikings, have improved upon their already impressive season, with their only loss coming against the undefeated Graz Giants in week three. Following their defeat, the Vikings embarked on a winning streak, achieving three consecutive blowout victories, including a 52-3 win over the Telfs Patriots last weekend. Nico Hrouda has led the team's aerial assault, throwing for 1,354 yards (3rd in the league) and 19 touchdowns (2nd in the league). However, the Vikings' backfield rotation has been their true strength, with three running backs ranking among the top ten in rushing yards. Devontae Jordan, Kevin Wojta, and Alexander Ernst have collectively gained over 550 yards and scored seven touchdowns. The Vikings aim to extend their winning streak as they face the Ducks in Salzburg on June 4th.
Danube Dragons – Record: 4-2
The reigning champions made a statement with a resounding 40-0 victory over the Styrian Bears in week one. However, they faced a rematch of the 2022 Austrian Bowl against the Vienna Vikings, resulting in the end of their 13-game winning streak. With the departure of long-time quarterback Chad Jefferies to the ELF's Munich Ravens, the Dragons' offense has not been the same. Nevertheless, the team has found success offensively this season with former NCAA DI quarterback Tyquell Fields, who ranks among the top quarterbacks in the league with 1,197 passing yards. Fields also stands third in rushing yards (309) and leads the league in rushing touchdowns (6). After a 21-13 victory over the Mödling Rangers, the Danube Dragons aim to carry that momentum into their next game against the undefeated Graz Giants after a bye-week.
The Ducks have displayed a similar performance to their 4-6 campaign in 2022, with a nearly identical core roster. Offensively, the Ducks have been prolific, ranking third in points scored (201). In week three, Salzburg provided one of the toughest challenges for the Prague Black Panthers, suffering a close 41-34 loss to the undefeated Prague team.
The Ducks boast the AFL's leading passer, Kris Denton, with 1,737 yards, as well as the league's leading receiver, Cory Jones, with 689 yards. Linebacker Kenney Patrick has been a standout player in the Ducks' defense, ranking among the top three in total tackles and recording three sacks and two interceptions. Following their victory against Tirol, in which the Raiders almost staged a comeback in the final period, the Ducks face a challenging test against the undefeated Vienna Vikings on June 4th.
