Prague Black Panthers Snatch Thrilling Victory Over Salzburg Ducks in AFL Clash
PRAGUE — The Prague Black Panthers edged out the Salzburg Ducks with a narrow 21-19 victory in a hard-fought AFL game. Despite Salzburg’s strong efforts and multiple opportunities, Prague managed to secure their first win of the season in a nail-biting finish.
Penalty Problems Plague Salzburg Early On
The Salzburg Ducks struggled with discipline early in the game, accumulating costly penalties that aided Prague’s initial surge. Multiple 15-yard penalties, personal fouls, and a pass interference call provided crucial first downs for the Black Panthers. These errors proved costly, directly contributing to Prague’s early scores.
Prague quarterback Kaylan Wiggins connected with Dan Lindovsky to score the game’s opening touchdown, putting the Black Panthers ahead 7-0. Wiggins then found Jan Vrnata in the endzone, extending Prague’s lead to 14-0. Salzburg’s Benjamin Hellett missed a 40-yard field goal attempt during this period, further compounding their early struggles.
Ducks Mount a Comeback
In the second quarter, the momentum shifted as Rashaan Lewis, son of NFL legend Ray Lewis, scored his first AFL touchdown, narrowing the score to 14-7. Shortly after, Benjamin Hellett intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Though, he missed the extra point, leaving the score at 14-13.
Dominik Freundlinger recovered a fumble, giving the Ducks an possibility to take the lead for the first time in 2025. Though, Ian Gehrke’s pass into the endzone was intercepted, leaving the score unchanged as the teams headed into halftime.
Close Finish Sees Prague Prevail
Pavel Prokop extended Prague’s lead to 21-13 in the third quarter. The score remained unchanged until late in the fourth quarter, as both defenses tightened up, limiting scoring opportunities. With time running out, Ian Gehrke connected with Rashaan Lewis in the endzone, bringing the score to 21-19. The subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed,and an onside kick was recovered by the Panthers. A fake punt conversion on 4th down by Jakub Wolesky sealed the victory for Prague.
While the Salzburg Ducks demonstrated resilience,their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and kicking game struggles ultimately cost them the game.
AFL Week 2 Roundup
- Prague Black Panthers (1-1) vs. Salzburg Ducks (0-2) 21:19
(14:0/0:13/7:0/0:6) - Graz Giants (2-0) vs. AFC Vienna Vikings (1-1) 7:3
(7:0/0:3/0:0/0:0) - Swarco Raiders Tirol (0-2) vs. Danube Dragons (2-0) 14:48
(0:7/7:14/0:20/7:7)
What specific penalties hindered the Salzburg Ducks’ performance in the early part of the game?
Prague Black Panthers Snatch Thrilling Victory Over Salzburg Ducks in AFL Clash
PRAGUE — The Prague Black Panthers edged out the Salzburg Ducks with a narrow 21-19 victory in a hard-fought AFL game. Despite Salzburg’s strong efforts and multiple opportunities, Prague managed to secure their frist win of the season in a nail-biting finish.
Penalty Problems Plague Salzburg Early On
The Salzburg ducks struggled with discipline early in the game, accumulating costly penalties that aided Prague’s initial surge.multiple 15-yard penalties, personal fouls, and a pass interference call provided crucial first downs for the Black Panthers. These errors proved costly,directly contributing to Prague’s early scores.
Prague quarterback Kaylan Wiggins connected with Dan Lindovsky to score the game’s opening touchdown, putting the Black Panthers ahead 7-0. Wiggins then found Jan Vrnata in the endzone, extending Prague’s lead to 14-0. Salzburg’s Benjamin Hellett missed a 40-yard field goal attempt during this period,further compounding their early struggles.
Ducks Mount a Comeback
In the second quarter, the momentum shifted as Rashaan Lewis, son of NFL legend Ray Lewis, scored his first AFL touchdown, narrowing the score to 14-7. Shortly after, Benjamin Hellett intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Though, he missed the extra point, leaving the score at 14-13.
Dominik Freundlinger recovered a fumble, giving the Ducks an possibility to take the lead for the first time in 2025. Though, Ian Gehrke’s pass into the endzone was intercepted, leaving the score unchanged as the teams headed into halftime.
Close Finish Sees Prague Prevail
Pavel Prokop extended Prague’s lead to 21-13 in the third quarter. The score remained unchanged until late in the fourth quarter, as both defenses tightened up, limiting scoring opportunities. with time running out, Ian Gehrke connected with Rashaan Lewis in the endzone, bringing the score to 21-19. the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed,and an onside kick was recovered by the Panthers. A fake punt conversion on 4th down by Jakub Wolesky sealed the victory for Prague.
While the Salzburg Ducks demonstrated resilience,their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and kicking game struggles ultimately cost them the game.
AFL Week 2 Roundup
- Prague Black Panthers (1-1) vs. Salzburg Ducks (0-2) 21:19
(14:0/0:13/7:0/0:6) - Graz Giants (2-0) vs. AFC vienna Vikings (1-1) 7:3
(7:0/0:3/0:0/0:0) - Swarco Raiders Tirol (0-2) vs. Danube Dragons (2-0) 14:48
(0:7/7:14/0:20/7:7)
Q&A: AFL Prague Black Panthers vs. Salzburg Ducks
- What is the AFL?
- The AFL refers to the Austrian Football League, the top-tier American football league in Austria. It is a highly competitive league featuring teams from across Austria and some neighboring countries.
- Who are the Prague Black Panthers?
- The Prague Black Panthers are a professional American football team based in Prague, Czech Republic. They compete in the Austrian Football League.
- Who is Rashaan Lewis?
- Rashaan Lewis is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and plays in the AFL. His touchdown was a highlight of the game.
- What are the key takeaways from the game?
- The Prague Black Panthers won a close game due to early scores and a successful fake punt. Penalties and missed opportunities hurt the Salzburg Ducks, despite a strong comeback attempt. Prague’s win demonstrates the importance of capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining discipline.
- What is a “fake punt” and why is it critically important?
- A fake punt is a play where, rather of punting the ball on fourth down, the offensive team tries to gain a first down by running or passing the ball. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play. In this game, the successful fake punt by Jakub Wolesky sealed the victory for the Black Panthers.
- How does the scoring work in american football?
- Teams score points through touchdowns (6 points),extra points (1 or 2 points),field goals (3 points),and safeties (2 points).
- What’s next for the Prague Black Panthers and Salzburg Ducks?
- With the season ongoing, both teams will look to improve their performance in the upcoming weeks. The Black Panthers will aim to build on their first win, while the Ducks will seek their first victory and learn from their mistakes.
The Prague Black panthers’ victory highlights the exciting and unpredictable nature of AFL football. Keep following the AFL season for more thrilling matchups!
