AFLE: Vienna Vikings overpower Paris Lights to remain unbeaten

The Vienna Vikings improved to 7-0 with a commanding 56-6 victory over the Paris Lights, extending their perfect American Football League Europe season behind another explosive offensive performance.

Although the Lights struck first, the Vikings responded immediately and never looked back, scoring 56 unanswered points to remain the league’s only unbeaten team.

Vikings erupt after early scare

The Lights opened the game on a positive note when Evan Hillock connected with Tristen Wallace on a two-yard touchdown pass. A blocked extra point left Paris with a 6-0 lead.

That advantage lasted just 11 seconds.

Ben Holmes answered with a 65-yard touchdown strike to Darrell Stewart Jr., then found the same receiver again from 42 yards out later in the quarter. Holmes added touchdown passes of 48 and 70 yards to Yannick Mayr before Karri Pajarinen scored on a one-yard run and Stewart caught his third touchdown reception of the afternoon, giving the Vikings a commanding 42-6 halftime lead.

Photo: Hannes Jirgal

Holmes picks apart defense

Holmes delivered another outstanding performance, completing 9 of 12 passes for 274 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Stewart finished with three catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns, while Mayr added three receptions for 128 yards and two scores.

The Vikings were equally effective on the ground, rushing for 175 yards. Moritz Jadin led the way with 78 yards and a touchdown, while Pajarinen also found the end zone.

Backup quarterback Nico Hrouda kept the offense rolling in the second half, completing all five of his passes for 66 yards and another touchdown.

Complete team effort

The Lights struggled to generate offense after their opening drive, finishing with just 30 passing yards and 68 rushing yards. Hillock completed 7 of 14 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown before the Vikings defense shut down every subsequent scoring opportunity.

Jadin added another rushing touchdown in the third quarter before Hrouda connected with Fabian Eder for the game’s final score.

The victory sets up a marquee showdown next week as the Vikings travel to face Rhein Fire, while the Lights return home looking to rebound against the London Warriors.