This week two matchup in the Austrian Football League features opponents looking to make different statements early in the season. The Steelsharks are eager to show that they belong in Austria’s top league after spending 2021 in the AFL2. Meanwhile, Graz looks to show that they have a championship type team in their season opener.
The Traun Steelsharks look to bounce back from a close 16-10 loss last week to the Danube Dragons. Quarterback John Uribe is back for another year under center and is looking to get his team into the playoffs in a wide-open AFL this season. The veteran passer will be targeting Michael Schachermayr and getting the offense going after reaching the endzone only once last week.
Defensively, imports Mike Taylor and Teddy Martinez are two players to watch in this one. Taylor is a physical pass rusher who notched a sack last week and will try to disrupt Graz’s dangerous passing game this week. Behind him, linebacker Teddy Martinez is a sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed. Expect Martinez to make double-digit tackles in the Steelsharks are too pull off this upset.
Graz hits the field for the first time this season after the weather postponed their season opener. After a semi-final appearance last year, the Giants are seen as title favorites in the eyes of many league experts. Offensively, All–Europe receiver Darrell Adams returns after a phenomenal 2021 season in Graz. The 6’4″ target will team up this year with his old college quarterback Tyrone Williams in what could be the league’s most dangerous passing duo.
Defensively, Graz has lost a few players from last season. With former captain Thomas Schnurrer leaving to join the ELF, the Giants have signed American linebacker Sam Dickey. The former Kenyon Lord (NCAA DIII) has big shoes to fill as he will try to replace one of Europe’s best linebackers from last season.
After the off-season shake up of the Austrian Football League, many fans are expecting this talented Graz team to be hoisting the trophy come July. Today, the Giants have a chance to show the league that they are legit title contenders against a gritty Traun Steelsharks team.
Watch the game live here. Traun Steelsharks @ Graz Giants, April 9, 14:45 CET (2:45 pm, 08:45 am ET)