The Austrian Football League regular season concludes with one of its biggest traditions on Saturday as the AFC Vienna Vikings (5-4) host the Danube Dragons (8-1) in Charity Bowl XXVIII at the Ravelin Football Center. Kickoff has been pushed back to 4:30 p.m. because of the expected heat, adding another challenge to a rivalry that always delivers plenty of intensity. While the Dragons have already secured the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Vikings are looking to build momentum before next week’s Wild Card round.
Dragons already on top
The Dragons wrapped up first place last week with an impressive 52-21 comeback victory over the Salzburg Ducks. After falling behind 14-0, quarterback Walter Kuhlenkamp led the response, connecting three times with Uzay Nafile for touchdowns as Danube scored 52 of the game’s final 59 points.
Michael Zeiler added two rushing touchdowns, Samuel Imarhiagbe found the end zone, and Matthias Rebl’s interception helped swing the momentum. Although the standings are settled, the Dragons will want to maintain their rhythm heading into the postseason.
Watch live. Danube Dragons @ AFC Vienna Vikings, June 28, 16:30 CET (4:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)
Vikings finding confidence
The Vikings enter the derby after one of their strongest performances of the season, a convincing 35-7 victory over the Fehérvár Enthroners. Backup quarterback Rudi-Lee Frey stepped in with confidence, throwing a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Kress as Vienna controlled the game from start to finish.
The defense was equally impressive, shutting down the Enthroners for three quarters before allowing only a late kickoff return touchdown. That complete team effort provides valuable confidence as the playoffs approach.
More than bragging rights
The Dragons earned a 35-14 victory when these rivals met in the season opener, but both teams are in a different place now. Danube may choose to manage playing time for key contributors with the postseason looming, while the Vikings are expected to treat this as a playoff tune-up.
The Charity Bowl has always been about more than football, combining one of Austria’s biggest rivalries with support for a worthy cause. With playoff football just around the corner, both clubs have every reason to put together another memorable chapter in one of the Austrian Football League’s premier matchups.