ANSBACH, Germany -- The defending Division II champion Ansbach Cougars scored 22 second-quarter points to distance themselves from the visiting Aviano Saints and secure a 50-18 win.

Aviano hung tough early, trailing 14-6 through one quarter and scoring again in the second quarter. But Ansbach stepped up its onslaught in the 12 minutes before halftime to build a 24-point lead at the break. A scoreless third quarter for Aviano and a pair of second-half insurance touchdowns for the home team sealed the deal.

Ansbach racked up 382 yards of total offense on the day, with sophomore Tyler Benton leading the charge with 139 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Yadiel Rodriguez carried four times for an efficient 81 yards.

Aviano quarterback Hayden Roers collected 129 passing yards and 49 more on the ground, while running back Darius Brown ran for 72 yards.

Each team scored on special teams: Aaron Island returned a kickoff 98 yards for an Aviano touchdown, while Jairiq Leary returned a punt 67 yards for a Cougar score.

Ansbach enters its friendly regional schedule next weekend against Alconbury, with games against winless AFNORTH/Brussels and Baumholder to follow. Aviano begins regional play at home against Hohenfels next Saturday.

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