Wiesbaden goes through first leg of South season perfect

WIESBADEN, Germany – There’s something different about the 2026 version of the Wiesbaden Warriors.

Just ask every team in DODEA-Europe’s 11-man football South conference.

The Warriors are a perfect 3-0 to start the season following a 42-0 rout over Naples, a 2025 semifinalist, at Wiesbaden High School on Saturday afternoon. Wiesbaden scored all its points before the 6-minute, 17-second mark in the second quarter to enact the mercy rule.

That’s the third time the hosts have forced the mercy rule this season.

This start has Wiesbaden thinking it could end not only its title-game appearance drought, which stretches back to 2015, but also get the program’s first European crown since 2013.

“We haven’t been very good in the past, and I’m really excited that we’ve started the season undefeated,” Wiesbaden freshman strong safety Daniel Carter said.

As Saturday’s performance showcased, the Wiesbaden offense strikes at lightning speed.

The Warriors ran just 11 offensive plays. Four of them went to the end zone. The hosts totaled 281 yards on offense.

Of the team’s four possessions, the offense produced two 2-play and one 1-play drives.

Wiesbaden wideout Liam Ortiz tight-ropes down the sideline en route to a 59-yard touchdown during a game against Naples on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Wiesbaden quarterback Campton Moschgat prepares to throw a pass during a game against Naples on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Naples runing back Dylan Kim cannot escape the grip of Wiesbaden defenders Samuel Erickson and Alexander Varela, right, during a game on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Wiesbaden wide receiver Michael Dozier grabs a pass over Naples defender Gabe Stuber during a game on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Naples receiver Nico Calvo runs in the open field as Wiesbaden linebacker Sage Kleisner prepares to go for the tackle during a game on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Wiesbaden running back Javelle Ortiz bounces to the outside as Naples sophomore Gabriel Brown chases during a game on Sept. 19, 2026, at Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The first two offensive drives ended with quarterback Campton Moschgat connecting with Michael Dozier on out routes to the left. On the first, Moschgat threw it up for his senior receiver to win, while the other was on a post route over the middle that Dozier outran the entire Wildcat defense for a 90-yard score.

Not to be outdone, senior Liam Ortiz caught a screen on Wiesbaden’s third possession, broke a tackle and then tight-roped the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown.

Moschgat found senior tight end Wyatt Smith along the right sideline for the team’s final score.

Overall, the Warriors had six plays going for more than 20 yards.

“It’s a lot of really good planning, a lot of really good teamwork and I think the athletes we have this year are incredible, outstanding,” said Dozier, who totaled 114 yards on those two TDs.

The Dozier-Moschgat connection could prove crucial for Wiesbaden’s season aspirations.

Despite being a freshman, Moschgat anticipated winning the starting job under center. Over the summer, he got Dozier’s phone number and asked him to run routes from time to time.

“I established that connection with him, that trust with him,” said Moschgat, who went 5-of-7 passing for 222 yards. “That’s what helps me (on the field).”

Dozier, who made a name for himself in the spring by winning European titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes during the track and field championships, appreciated his younger teammate’s drive.

And the senior wideout has high expectations for Moschgat going beyond their one campaign together.

“As a freshman, I’m really impressed by him,” Dozier said. “He’s definitely going to develop and grow up to be really good as a quarterback.”

As strong as the offense has been, the defense can’t be overlooked.

The Warriors have allowed just three points over the first three games and recorded their second shutout of the season on Saturday. They held the Wildcats (1-2) to 80 yards of offense.

Wiesbaden also produced two pick-sixes. Cornerback Alexander Varela jumped a Kam McKinnon pass and returned it 70 yards for a score at the 1:38 mark in the first quarter. Then, on Naples’ next possession, Carter intercepted the ball and went 75 yards down the left sideline with a convoy of blockers before cutting back inside to cross the goal line.

“I almost went into quarterback, but I told coach not to so I could keep playing defense,” said Carter, who backs up his best friend Moschgat. “It’s really fun and it’s a blessing every time I get to go out and play.”

As for Naples, coach Jim Davis made the decision to end the game early to protect his players. With a small roster of 20, the Wildcats lost a few more to injuries against the Warriors, including running back Terry Herbert on the team’s opening drive.

Naples still has plenty of season left to put the loss in Wiesbaden behind them, he said.

“We can’t let one game define us,” Davis said. “We’ve been in Wiesbaden’s situation, where we ran away with the conference. We still have second place to play for.”