Graz Giants edge Swarco Raiders Tirol in Thrilling Austrian Football League matchup
INNSBRUCK, Austria (AP) — In a game that showcased the excitement of the Austrian Football League, the Graz Giants narrowly defeated the Swarco Raiders Tirol 28-27 on Saturday. The victory puts the Giants in a three-way tie at the top of the standings with the Vienna Vikings and Danube Dragons. The Vikings secured a 13-7 win against the Dragons in Friday night’s Vienna Derby.
The fourth week of the AFL season concludes Sunday afternoon with the Salzburg Ducks hosting the Prague Black Panthers. The Ducks are seeking their first win of the season, while the black Panthers look to improve on their 1-2 record.
Giants Overcome Raiders in Close Contest
Playing before an estimated crowd of 800 at the American Football Center Innsbruck, the Graz Giants drew first blood. Quarterback Mateo Renteria connected with Jakob Begander on a short pass for a touchdown. Leo Lipták added the extra point,giving the giants a 7-0 lead.
The Raiders responded in the second quarter when Cody Coleman returned a punt 41 yards,energizing the home crowd. Ra’von Bonner then ran 15 yards into the end zone, and Lorenz Kriwak’s extra point tied the game.
The tie was short-lived. Julian Kapellari returned the ensuing kickoff into Raiders’ territory,and Renteria found josef Rock with a deep pass. Fritz Bleckmann then carried the ball the remaining distance, and Lipták’s extra point put the Giants ahead 14-7. The Raiders answered with a mix of passing and running plays, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Fabian Rolfes. Trinkl’s extra point tied the score again.
Before halftime, the Raiders took their first lead. Bonner capped off another drive with a powerful 21-yard run. Trinkl’s third successful extra point gave the Raiders a 21-14 advantage at the break.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Giants mounted a comeback in the fourth. Bleckmann’s run set up a good field position, and Renteria then Lipták scored to tie the game 21-21. The Raiders quickly regained the lead when quarterback Stefan Maacher led his team down the field, and Stefan Schneider scored from the 1-yard line. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 27-21.
With just 35 seconds remaining, Jakob Schneeberger ran nine yards for a giants touchdown.Lipták’s successful extra point gave the Giants a 28-27 lead and ultimately, the victory.
Coaches’ Reactions
Dominik Bauer, head coach of the Swarco Raiders Tirol, expressed pride in his team despite the loss. I am incredibly proud of the team.This defeat is very bitter, but I think we have proven that we took a step forward. We eliminate mistakes every week, even if it was too much today. But the season is still long!
Bauer said.
Graz Giants Head Coach Stefan Pokorny acknowledged the Raiders’ strong performance. Congratulations to the Raiders, they prepared very well, played very physically and caused us problems. In the end we did more big plays and won the game with the blocked pat. I am very proud that my team was still doing the game.
Pokorny said.
Austrian Football League Week 4 Results
- April 25, 6:30 p.m.: Vienna Vikings 13, Danube Dragons 7
- April 26, 6:00 p.m.: Graz Giants 28, Swarco Raiders Tirol 27
- April 27, 2:00 p.m.: Salzburg Ducks vs. Prague Black Panthers
Complete results, live streams, schedules, standings, and statistics are available online.
Graz Giants vs. Swarco Raiders Tirol: Your Questions Answered
Hear’s a breakdown of the thrilling austrian Football League (AFL) matchup between the Graz Giants and the Swarco Raiders tirol. We’ll answer common questions and provide a clear understanding of the game.
Q: Who won the game between the Graz Giants and the Swarco Raiders tirol?
The Graz Giants narrowly edged out the Swarco Raiders Tirol with a final score of 28-27.
Q: Where and when did this game take place?
The game was held at the American Football Center in Innsbruck, Austria, on Saturday, april 26th.
Q: What was the significance of this win for the Graz Giants?
The victory propelled the giants into a three-way tie at the top of the AFL standings, alongside the Vienna Vikings and Danube Dragons.
Q: Can you recap the key moments of the game?
Here’s a summary of the game’s highlights:
Giants Draw First Blood: Quarterback Mateo Renteria connected with Jakob begander for a touchdown, giving the Giants an early 7-0 lead.
Raiders Respond: Cody Coleman’s 41-yard punt return and Ra’von Bonner’s touchdown run tied the game.
Back-and-Forth: Both teams exchanged touchdowns, keeping the score tight. The Raiders took the lead before halftime.
Giants’ Comeback: After a scoreless third quarter, the Giants fought back in the fourth, tying the game before the Raiders regained the lead.
Final Moments: With only 35 seconds left, Jakob Schneeberger scored a Giants touchdown, followed by a triumphant extra point by Lipták, securing the win.
Q: Who where the key players for the Graz Giants?
Based on the article, here are some key players for the Graz Giants:
Mateo renteria (Quarterback)
Jakob Begander
Fritz Bleckmann
leo Lipták
Jakob Schneeberger
Q: Who were the key players for the Swarco Raiders Tirol?
Based on the article, here are some key players for the Swarco Raiders Tirol:
Cody Coleman
ra’von Bonner
Fabian Rolfes
Stefan Schneider
Stefan Maacher (Quarterback)
Q: What were the coaches’ reactions after the game?
Dominik Bauer (Swarco Raiders Tirol): Expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the loss, acknowledging their progress.
Stefan Pokorny (Graz Giants): Congratulated the Raiders on their performance and highlighted the Giants’ resilience in securing the win.
Q: What were the results of the other games in Week 4 of the AFL?
Vienna Vikings 13, Danube Dragons 7 (April 25th)
* Salzburg Ducks vs. Prague Black Panthers (April 27th – result not provided in the article)
Q: Where can I find more information about the AFL?
Complete results, live streams, schedules, standings, and statistics are available online, as stated in the article.
Here’s a summary of key game events in a simplified format:
| Team | Key Event | result |
|---|---|---|
| Graz Giants | Renteria to Begander Touchdown | Giants 7, Raiders 0 |
| Swarco Raiders Tirol | Coleman 41-yard Punt Return | Score Tied |
| Graz Giants | Bleckmann Run | Giants 14, Raiders 7 |
| Swarco Raiders Tirol | Bonner 21-yard Run | Raiders Lead at Halftime |
| Graz Giants | Schneeberger Touchdown | Giants Win 28-27 |
