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BITBURG, Germany - The Bitburg Barons humbled one of their fiercest recent rivals on the opening day of the 2016 DODEA-Europe football season Saturday, blanking the Hohenfels Tigers 31-0.

The points came from everywhere for the Barons, starting with an early safety on a snap through the back of the end zone. Javian Rouse returned a kickoff 67 yards for a touchdown later in the first quarter, Tyriq Zvijer scored on an 11-yard run in the second, and quarterback Eli Canaan found Trey Bowles with a 15-yard touchdown pass for a comfortable halftime margin.

Ruben Cruz nailed a 20-yard field goal and Canaan rushed in from 15 yards out in the second half to complete the shutout.

Jimmie Montgomery paced the Barons with 228 rushing yards on 28 carries, while Zvijer rushed 10 times for 49 yards. Canaan completed five of eight attempts for 71 yards; Bowles handled three of those for 47 yards.

Zvijer paced the Baron defense with nine tackles and a pair of sacks. Nicholas Orlando also had nine tackles, while Jakub Jackowski added eight.

Jordan Kelly and Jean Morals led the Hohenfels defense with 141/2 tackles apiece.

The win is particularly notable for Bitburg. The Tigers ended the Barons' Division II championship dynasty in 2013 with a stunning 38-28 semifinal win en route to a surprise European championship.

The teams open regional play next week, with Bitburg at Rota and Hohenfels hosting Aviano.

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