Vienna Vikings Win Rivalry Match Against Rhein Fire
The rivalry game everyone was waiting for delivered on every front.
Final Score: Rhein Fire at Vienna Vikings – 10:24
The Game Delivered
All of Europe had been waiting for this one, and it did not disappoint. Touchdowns, interceptions, long field goals and two defenses that refused to give an inch. The matchup between the Vienna Vikings and Rhein Fire had everything, and showed exactly why this is the rivalry the AFLE needed.
Defenses Set the Tone
Coming in, both offenses had been turning heads. Ben Holmes and the Vikings attack had been outstanding over the first two weeks, while Kenji Bahar had been named MVP of Week 2 for good reason. But anyone who thought this would be a shootout was quickly reminded that both defenses are just as capable. Neither side could get anything going on their opening drives, and it became clear early on that every yard and every point would have to be earned.
Fire Strike First, Then Lose the Momentum
Rhein Fire executed their game plan well enough to get on the board first. A methodical 6-minute drive ended with a field goal and gave the Fire the early lead. When a Ben Holmes interception followed shortly after, momentum was firmly on their side. But they could not convert it into points, and the Vikings barely flinched. Vienna shook it off, kept doing what they do, and began to take control. After the Fire drew level, the defenses took center stage again, and from there it was the Vikings who found the answers.
Pajarinen Anchors the Viking Offense
Finnish running back Karri Pajarinen was the foundation of everything Vienna built offensively. His 112 rushing yards and a touchdown kept the offense balanced and gave Ben Holmes exactly what he needed, favorable down-and-distance situations and space to operate. Holmes made the most of it, finding tight end Bierbaumer for a touchdown and adding a rushing score of his own. Rhein Fire had no answer for the Vikings once the ground game got going, and the final score reflected that.
What’s Next
Both teams return home in Week 4 for matchups against unfamiliar opponents. The Vikings host the Alpine Rams, looking to extend their winning streak to four. Rhein Fire welcome the Paris Lights in what shapes up as a key conference matchup.
