Austrian Football League: Danube Dragons blank Graz Giants in defensive duel

The Danube Dragons (5-1) solidified their grip atop the AFL standings with a 13-0 road victory over the Graz Giants (4-2) at ASKÖ Eggenberg Stadium, completing a season sweep of their rivals behind suffocating defense and clutch special teams.

Defensive battle defines first half
Both offenses sputtered early, with neither team advancing past midfield until late in the second quarter. Danube capitalized on a critical Graz penalty to set up Michael Schachermayr’s 27-yard field goal, securing a 3-0 halftime lead. The Giants’ defense held firm but received no support from an offense that managed just 89 total yards.

Schachermayr’s special teams spark
The veteran kicker ignited Danube’s momentum with a 48-yard kickoff return to open the third quarter. Quarterback Alexander Reischl swiftly connected with Moritz Dungler for a 14-yard touchdown—the game’s lone touchdown—capping a drive fueled by Danube’s suddenly assertive ground game. Schachermayr’s PAT extended the lead to 10-0, while his 39-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter iced the shutout.

Dragons’ defense seals shutout
Danube’s secondary intercepted Graz quarterback Mateo Renteria once and limited the hosts to 4.1 yards per play. The front seven stifled rushing lanes, forcing three three-and-outs in the final quarter. Graz’s lone bright spot—a late interception by their defense—was squandered by another stalled drive.

Standings and road ahead
With this win, Danube avenged their lone 2023 playoff loss to Graz. Dragons Fred Armstrong lauded his team’s cohesion: “Our defense and special teams carried the game.” Giants head coach Stefan Pokorny acknowledged offensive woes, stating, “We need to correct mistakes,” while praising his defense’s discipline.

The Dragons’ title credentials hinge on maintaining this defensive dominance, while Graz must revive an offense that has scored just 16 points in two meetings against their rivals.