VICENZA, Italy - The Rota Admirals launched their season-opening road trip in impressive fashion Saturday, routing the host Vicenza Cougars 39-6 on the first day of the 2018 DODEA-Europe Division II football season.

Rota is eying a fourth straight trip to the European championship game, but its path is among the more difficult of any Division II squad. After a bye next weekend, the Admirals play three more road games, starting with a Sept. 22 visit to International School of Brussels, before playing their first home game Oct. 20 against Spangdahlem. That game is a rematch of last year’s Sentinel victory in the European championship game.

Vicenza visits Naples on Friday looking to record a win before its Sept. 22 bye week.

The Cougars' nearby Division II rival Aviano, meanwhile, saw its Saturday season opener postponed when ISB was unable to secure transportation to Italy. A new date for the game is still to be determined.