Vilseck finds a new format works just fine as well

VILSECK, Germany – Vilseck took to its home field with two fewer players than usual Saturday, but that did little to slow the Falcons as they rolled past the Vicenza Cougars 42-0.

The official score, triggered by the mercy rule before halftime, told only part of the story.

From the opening kickoff, the Falcons took control, leaning on a strong rushing attack that quickly put Vicenza on its heels.

“We really respect (Vicenza) for coming out and finding a way to come and play us,” Vilseck junior Landon Smith said. “Nine-men football, it’s not easy.”

The Cougars, fielding only 13 players in uniform, had little wiggle room to rotate their players, most of whom were forced to play on both offense and defense.

And while quick carries from Aiden Roark and deep passing attempts from quarterbacks Braxton Gouteriez and Nixxon Swick sparked a few flashes on offense, fumbled snaps and incomplete passes kept Vicenza from finding a rhythm against the Falcons’ defense.

On the other end, nearly every Falcons player seemed to present highlight-reel level moments.

“Our passing game is getting a lot better … (and) our running game is really strong,” Falcons’ senior Brett Edelman said.

This showed true as junior Jack Tabacchi piled up 149 rushing yards, including a long touchdown run. Edelman recorded an early interception and added a rushing touchdown. Sophomore Braydon Edelman broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run.

But the Falcons’ Smith was a powerhouse from nearly everywhere on the field, finishing the game with 89 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards and 35 passing yards. He scored two touchdowns and connected with sophomore Finn Nichols for another through the air.

“I’d say with the new coaching staff and the team that we have, it’s really strong,” Smith said.

“We got good bonds and the coaching is there, the plays are there and I think we’re going to go (to the) playoffs and definitely maybe even go all the way,” he added.

Vilseck Falcons sophomore Sedric McGibboney rushes past Vicenza Cougars' defense during a Sept. 19, 2026 football matchup in Germany (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Vilseck junior Jack Tabbachi rushes towards the end zone in a football game against the Vicenza Cougars in Vilseck, Germany on Sept. 19, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Vilseck junior Isaia Lokeini catches a successful two-point conversion pass while contested by Vicenza’s Nixxon Swick during a Sept. 19, 2026 game in Vilseck, Germany. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Vicenza quarterback Braxton Gouteriez attempts a rush against Vilseck's defensive line in a game in Vilseck, Germany on Sept. 19, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Vicenza safety Aiden Roark gives his coaching staff a thumbs up before a defensive standoff against Vilseck in a football matchup on Sept. 19, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Vicenza did have some success after the game was officially over and statistics and scores didn’t count.

“They’re playing for each other, they’re not playing for any sort of glory at all,” Vicenza coach Sheri Alejo said. “They’re literally just playing for each other and for the love of the game.”

A halftime talk about returning to football fundamentals and getting out of a mindset of loss encouraged the Cougars to play differently, coaches said.

The Cougars’ Swick, returning to the field following a thumb injury in recent weeks, embodied this enthusiasm and heart in both halves.

He reached the end zone a few times in the second half.

Falcons coach David Nichols, meanwhile, credited his squad with quickly adjusting to the smaller nine-man formations on both sides of the ball. But with Vicenza behind them, the Falcons are already looking toward a return to 11-man football and their next objective: redeeming themselves against unbeaten Wiesbaden next week.

“I’m proud of how our guys compete,” Nichols said. “They’re motivated and they’re coachable and we’re going to continue to improve each week.”