EFA: Prague Lions stun Raiders Tirol with last-second victory

The Prague Lions (1-5) earned their first win of the European Football Alliance season in unforgettable fashion Sunday, scoring the game-winning touchdown and extra point with just three seconds remaining to edge the Raiders Tirol (0-5) 45-44 in a wild offensive shootout at Tivoli Stadium.

The dramatic victory capped an afternoon that featured multiple momentum swings, explosive offensive plays and one of the league’s most thrilling finishes.

Fast start sets the tone

The Lions seized control early behind an opportunistic defense.

Quarterback Steven Krajewski threw two first-half interceptions, and Prague immediately turned those mistakes into points. Marek Hruboň opened the scoring with a field goal before Aleksandar Borković returned an interception for a touchdown to give the visitors a 10-0 lead.

The Raiders answered with a touchdown pass from Krajewski to Adrian Platzgummer before Lukas Haslwanter powered into the end zone to put Tirol ahead 13-10. However, the Lions regained control before halftime as Jaylon Henderson connected with Dawid Luksan for a touchdown, sending Prague into the break with a 17-13 advantage.

Offenses trade big plays

The second half quickly turned into an offensive showcase.

Henderson extended the Lions’ lead with a rushing touchdown before Jonata Loria’s field goal pulled the Raiders within 24-16. Tim Tonko then scored for Tirol, and J’Kalon Carter added the two-point conversion to tie the game at 24-24.

The teams continued exchanging blows. William Patterson hauled in a Henderson touchdown pass to even the score at 31-31 after Carter had briefly put the Raiders back in front. Later, Henderson found Radim Kalous for another touchdown to make it 38-38 after Tonko had scored again for Tirol.

Last drive delivers victory

The drama wasn’t over.

Krajewski connected with Carter for his second touchdown reception of the afternoon, giving the Raiders a 44-38 lead after the extra point was missed and leaving the Lions needing a touchdown in the closing seconds.

Henderson calmly led one final drive before finding Matyáš Bílý for the game-tying touchdown with just six seconds left.

The extra point sailed through the uprights three seconds later, giving the Prague Lions a stunning 45-44 victory.

A final Hail Mary attempt by the Raiders ended with an interception, sealing Prague’s first win of the season and completing one of the most dramatic finishes of the European Football Alliance campaign.