Panthers topple Lancers to open season with a ‘W’

RAF LAKENHEATH, England — The Stuttgart Panthers prowled into England and left little doubt about the outcome of their clash with Lakenheath on Friday, beating the Lancers 47-6 in the season debut for both teams.

The Panthers dominated on the field both offensively and defensively throughout. Halftime approached with the scoreboard reading 20-0.

That wasn’t enough for Stuttgart head coach Antoine Reed, who gathered his team around to motivate them.

“Just execute and do your job,” Reed told his team. “Do your job, and everything else will take care of itself.”

Lakenheath scored a touchdown from a punt return to add its first six points to the scoreboard minutes later.

Unfortunately for the Lancers, that was the only sign of a comeback.

The Panthers defense relentlessly put pressure on Lakenheath’s offensive line and accounted for negative gains on multiple occasions throughout the second half.

The Lancers’ Lamart Overton did have some moments, though, and picked up some positive yards several times.

He was more than matched, though, by Stuttgart’s Michael Watkins, who scored multiple touchdowns.

“At first I was a little shaky, a little nervous. First game jitters,” Watkins said. “I’m so happy to be out here with these boys, we have a senior heavy team. It’s a surreal feeling.”

Lakenheath head coach Gabe Feletar was confident the defeat was only a short setback for the Lancers.

“It’s okay, it’s only Week One,” Feletar said to his team after the game. “We have five weeks, and we are going to do something with it. We can see what we can do differently next time.”

Stuttgart head coach Antoine Reed speaks to his players during halftime of their game against the Lakenheath Lancers in England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (Devin Klecan/Stars and Stripes)

Stuttgart prepares to snap the ball against the Lakenheath, which hosted the DODEA-Europe football game in England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (Devin Klecan/Stars and Stripes)

Stuttgart senior running back Michael Watkins steps into the end-zone for a touchdown during the Panthers’ game against Lakenheath in England, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (Devin Klecan/Stars and Stripes)