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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The Kaiserslautern Raiders secured a long-sought playoff berth Saturday with a steady 17-3 defeat of visiting Lakenheath.

The Raiders, coming off winless seasons in 2011 and 2012, improved to 3-1 with the win and assured themselves a plus-.500 season and a playoff berth.

The news could get better still when Kaiserslautern hosts archrival Ramstein in Friday’s regular-season finale. A Raiders win would leave both teams at 4-1 and give Kaiserslautern the top seed in the four-team Division I playoffs, which start Oct. 26.

Antwan Haynes scored both Raider touchdowns; the wideout caught a 1-yard ball from quarterback Tristan Dailey and found the end zone again on a 68-yard punt return. Both scores came after halftime as Kaiserslautern distanced itself from a 3-3 halftime tie.

Nick Ciero had 132 yards rushing for Lakenheath; teammate Justin Menges ran for 53 yards and made 15 tackles.

The Lancers will look to avoid a winless season in the regular-season finale against Patch.

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