Vikings win nail-biter against Panthers, Musketeers dominate Mercenaries

​Week 13 of the European League of Football started with four games this Saturday. Amongst those games, the Wroclaw Panthers on the road against the Vienna Vikings and the Paris Musketeers hosting the Helvetic Mercenaries from Switzerland. 

Wroclaw Panthers (5-6) AT Vienna Vikings (10-1)

Final Score: 36 - 50 

Before this game, the Vienna Vikings were in a great position to clinch a spot in the 2025 ELF playoffs and to secure the #1 seed. The Wroclaw Panthers were in "must-win" mode to stay alive in the playoff race. After the first quarter, the Vikings were on top by eight points, keeping the Panthers in a one-point game. 

The Panthers, led by quarterback DJ Irons, were keeping the game close. His 250+ passing yards and two touchdowns alongside his 100+ rushing yards and two scores on the ground were impressive. But his two interceptions and numerous sacks were holding the Panthers offense back. They never really had the chance to make the score even or have a lead in this game. With a record of 5-6, the Polish franchise is officially eliminated from playoff contention. 

The Vienna Vikings are more than delighted with their 10-1 record after another close matchup. Head coach Chris Calacay has his team ready for the post-season and potentially a deep playoff run. Are they good enough to win it all this year?  Whatever you think, an 10-1 record in the ELF speaks for itself. 

Helvetic Mercenaries (0-11) AT Paris Musketeers (7-4) 

Final Score: 0 - 77

The Paris Musketeers come off a strong victory against the Cologne Centurions in their last matchup. In tonights matchup against the Swiss franchise, the Musketeers did not hold back and scored 34 points in the first quarter alone. The entire offense and defense of the French franchise was dominating the Mercenaries on almost every play. 

Leading the way for the Musketeers was quarterback Jaylon Henderson with four passing touchdowns and now interceptions. Together with his receivers and running backs, Henderson put together a dominating performance with his offense against their winless opponent. 

For the Mercenaries, this was another tough outing. In eleven games, the Mercenaries were not once on the winning side when the final whistle blew. Back to the drawing board. 

© Hannes Jirgal / Vienna Vikings