Nico Marchini did it all for Lakenheath in its season-opening 38-7 win over Wiesbaden at RAF Lakenheath.
The senior signal caller had a hand in the Lancers’ first four touchdowns – three through the air and one on the ground. Marchini found receiver Brian Miles for a 15-yard score and followed that up with a 33-yard score in the second frame.
Marchini then scampered for an 8-yard touchdown before the break.
He finished his scoring when he threw a second touchdown pass to Thompson for 41 yards. Marchini went 10-for-16 passing with 326 yards and three scores. He also added 94 yards on eight carries.
Miles ended with 154 yards on five catches, Thompson had three receptions for 75 yards and Jake Bane produced a 48-yard grab.
Lakenheath running back Lucius Bowman totaled 81 yards on 11 attempts as the Lancers (1-0) amassed 207 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Ben Cashen threw a 5-yard score to Brady Blake in the third quarter for the Warriors’ lone score. He and Christopher Edwards combined for 19 completions for Wiesbaden (0-1).
Lakenheath’s Chase Rake produced the last two scores of the game, one a fumble recovery in the end zone and then a 75-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter.
Defensively for the Lancers, defensive end Jaden DuBois had five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Jake Bane and Zach Stutzman each added six tackles.
Lakenheath travels to Vilseck on Sept. 16, while Wiesbaden heads to Stuttgart.
Vilseck 19, Kaiserslautern 13: It took a while for both teams to get going as neither team scored in the first half, but eventually the Falcons ground down the Raiders to open the season with a win.
In fact, Kaiserslautern (0-1) took the lead early in the second half after successfully fielding an onside kick. The Raiders eventually punched the ball into the end zone behind quarterback Rueben Todman, who accounted for more than 200 yards of offense and two scores through the air and on the ground.
After that, Vilseck (1-0) responded through the run game. Senior captain Garrett Hyten had two touchdowns, Junior DeJesus had 177 yards rushing and 33 yards receiving with one score, and Gabrel Mallard contributed 118 yards rushing in the winning effort.
Holding onto the ball proved to be a problem for both squads as seven fumbles were forced.
On defense for the Falcons, Aron Atakuzi had three unassisted and four assisted tackles, Hyten swallowed up Raiders for six unassisted and four assisted tackles and a forced fumble, and DeJesus picked off a pass.
Up next, Vilseck hosts Lakenheath, while Kaiserslautern welcomes crosstown rival Ramstein to its home.
Division II
Naples 41, Rota 0: The defending champions started off where they left off a year ago – with another lopsided defeat of a divisional foe.
Naples scored three times in the opening quarter and never looked back as the game ended due to mercy rule in the third period.
Robert Oliver carried the ball four times for 56 yards including touchdown runs of 5 and 11 yards. He also caught three passes, including touchdown scores of 45 and 59 yards.
Camden Kasparek completed 8 of 10 passes for 165 yards. Jeramiah Robinson caught a 26-yard pass. Kyson From ran in another touchdown from 18 yards out.
On defense, Michael Daniels and Leishieh Morgan had seven tackles each for the Wildcats.
Aviano 36, Vicenza 0: The Saints opened the season with a road win over Vicenza. No other information was available.
Division III
Ansbach 50, Hohenfels 0: The Cougars jumped out to a 42-point halftime lead and invoked the mercy rule in the third quarter.
Junior Daeveon Browns had four touchdowns and sophomore Nathan Arreguin had two scores on the ground. Sophomore Ethan Dixon had two touchdown receptions from quarterback Mason Batin.
Senior Puente had five tackles for losses among 14 total tackles and added two sacks and an interception on defense.
Sigonella 39, Alconbury 0: Jaydon Reed passed for 140 yards and three scores and ran for 108 yards and another touchdown as the hosts won big.
Reed, a senior, also caught a 38-yard touchdown pass. John Berry caught two passes for scores and Everett Eggan another.
Sigonella freshman Sladen Hager threw two touchdown passes in relief of Reed.
JuJu Brazoban scored for the Dragons.
Brussels 60, Baumholder 24: The Brigands opened their title defense with a mercy-rule victory over the Buccaneers at home. No other information was available.
Spangdahlem 42, AFNORTH 0: The Sentinels were victorious during their trip to the Netherlands. No other information was available.