Austria: Danube Dragons ground Raiders in defensive slugfest

The Danube Dragons edged the Swarco Raiders Tirol 14-6 in a gritty Austrian Football League showdown at Donaufeld, improving to 4-1 under returning head coach Fred Armstrong.

First-half offense seals victory
Matthias Löcker ignited the Dragons’ attack with a 22-yard rush, setting up quarterback Lukas Schramm’s 14-yard scramble and Löcker’s 3-yard touchdown plunge. Kicker Michael Schachermayr’s PAT made it 7-0. The Raiders responded with Lorenz Kriwak’s 38-yard field goal, but Schachermayr’s kickoff return positioned Schramm for a second TD pass, extending the lead to 14-3. Kriwak added another field goal before halftime, but the Raiders’ offense stalled thereafter.

Defenses dominate second half
Both teams’ defenses stonewalled drives after the break, with neither side reaching the red zone. The Dragons’ front seven pressured Raiders QB Stefan Maiacher into hurried throws, while Tirol’s secondary limited big plays. The scoreboard remained untouched, sealing Danube’s fourth win.

Coaches react
“It’s great to be back,” said Dragons coach Fred Armstrong, crediting his staff. “We’re preparing for Graz next.” Raiders coach Dominik Bauer acknowledged progress despite injuries: “We’re getting better, no excuses.”

The Dragons enter their bye week eyeing a title push, while the Raiders (2-3) regroup ahead of hosting Vienna.