ANSBACH, Germany - On the verge of losing possession of the DODDS-Europe football's longest winning streak, the Ansbach Cougars opened the season Friday night by emphatically starting another one. Ansbach, tied with Bitburg for the record of 31 straight victories, had four touchdowns by halftime and routed the combined team from Schweinfurt and Bamberg 43-6. The Cougars established their record streak from 2006 to 2009. But since then, the Barons have won four straight championships, and with a victory over Alconbury on Saturday, would own sole possession of the record. But Ansbach played like a record-breaker itself Friday. Five different backs rushed for at least 39 yards, including Dorian Jones (65 yards, 1 TD), Shawn McDonald (53, 1 TD), Jamie Anderson (39 yards, 2 TDs) and Nick Abel (40 yards). Quarterback Bailey Ward threw for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

McDonald's 32-yard score got things started and Ward's 23-yard pass to Brandon Piccinini put Ansbach up by two scores. A 33-yard pass from Ward to Piccinini and a 13-yard from Jones gave Ansbach a 29-0 lead at the half.

Anderson had 18- and 11-yard scoring runs in the third quarter to finish Ansbach's scoring.

Tracy Crocket's 26-yard touchdown with 47 seconds left put Schweinfurt/Bamberg on the scoreboard.

Josh Pleake had 10 tackles, four for losses, to lead the Ansbach defense. Austin Benton and Idris Najeeullah each had six tackles. Dahmani Bascome was credited with 12 tackles for Schweinfurt/Bamberg.