Danube Dragons vs Vikings 35:17: Kuhlenkamp Leads in Austrian Bowl

Trick Play as Turning Point

The decisive turning point was a trick play in the second quarter. Running back Kevin Stanisi threw his first career playoff touchdown pass, which veteran defensive player Daniel Pozarek caught in the end zone. This put the Dragons in the lead, a position they would not relinquish. Before the break, the Dragons added another touchdown.

The Vikings went into the game weakened by absences: after an injury to quarterback Michael Szabo, tight end Rudolf Lee Frey had to step in as playmaker. He managed two touchdowns, but the Viennese could not compensate for the absences. Before halftime they did reach the end zone but had to settle for a field goal. Only after the change of ends did the Vikings score two further touchdowns.

Vikings Hampered by Absences

Around 2,000 spectators followed the semifinal derby at Donaufeldplatz. The atmosphere underscored the rivalry between the two traditional Viennese clubs, which had dominated the AFL in recent years.

Background: Title Dispute from Last Year

Last year, the Dragons lost the final against the Vikings on the field but were awarded the national championship at the green table. The Vikings had been stripped of the title because of a player who had not been registered in accordance with the rules. The Viennese had originally decided the final in their favor with a victory over the Dragons, but the title was revoked from them months after the championship game.

With another appearance in the final, the Dragons now have the chance to defend the title on the field as well. Austrian Bowl XLI in the Südstadt will be played in two weeks. The opponent will be determined on Sunday between the Prague Black Panthers and the Graz Giants.

Reactions After the Game

Dragons head coach Michael Hönig was satisfied with his team's performance after the game: "Es war uns klar, wenn ein Backup-Quarterback spielt, mit der Defense, die wir haben, müssen wir schauen, dass wir das Spiel kontrollieren. Ich glaube, das ist uns zum größten Teil gelungen."

On the other side, the disappointment was palpable for Vikings head coach Benjamin Sobotka. "Es tut weh, es ist grauslig, aber wir haben zu viele Bälle fallen lassen," he said after the game. Sobotka, who also looks after the Vikings' second team as well as the AFLE, had become a father for the first time in the week before the game.

The Vikings thus bow out of the title race, while the Dragons continue their playoff run. Looking ahead to Austrian Bowl XLI, the team around Kuhlenkamp, Stanisi, and Pozarek will have gained confidence.

The clash between the two Viennese teams remains a central chapter in the league's history even after this semifinal. The rivalry, which had been additionally strained by last year's retroactive title award, took a new turn with the Dragons' clear 35:17 victory.

Outlook on Austrian Bowl XLI

For the Vienna Vikings, it is now time to analyze the season and deal with the injuries, especially that of starting quarterback Mike Szabo. The Viennese had shown during the regular season that they belong to the top of the AFL, but were unable to match their best performances in the semifinal.

The Dragons, in turn, can prepare for the final in the Südstadt. Waiting there will be either the Prague Black Panthers or the Graz Giants – both teams represent different styles of play and will demand everything from the Dragons.

By reaching Austrian Bowl XLI, the Danube Dragons have made it to the second consecutive final and taken the next step in a season shaped by special circumstances both on and off the field.

The league is meanwhile looking ahead to the second semifinal on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on ORF Sport +. Should the Graz Giants or the Prague Black Panthers reach the Austrian Bowl, the duel with the Dragons will take place there – a matchup that last appeared on the schedule some years ago.