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NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain - The Rota Admirals recovered the opening kickoff on the Aviano 25-yard line Saturday night and went on from there to a 26-0 non-conference blanking of the Saints.

According to Rota coach James Crowell, junior Ramon Quijano ran for three touchdowns, and senior Terrence Paris one in the game between the Division III Admirals and the Aviano Saints of D-II.

The season-opening game, the lone contest this high school season between teams from different divisions, was a last-minute pairing brought about when Rota’s scheduled opponent, defending European D-III champion Sigonella, was forced to bow out because of too many injured players.

Although Rota plays nine-man football in D-III, Saturday night’s clash was an 11-man game. However, the Rota defense, led by junior middle linebacker K.C. Mason, adjusted successfully to having 11 opponents on the field, the only time this season they’ll face that situation.

Mason, Crowell reported, also contributed heavily from his fullback position, converting several third-and-short and third-and-long opportunities. Mason also registered a first down on fourth-and-three on a fake punt.

The Admirals, who according to Crowell completed all three passes they threw, are scheduled to open their D-III season Saturday at Brussels. The Brigands dropped a 41-8 verdict to D-III newcomer Bamberg on opening day.

Aviano is scheduled to host Schweinfurt, a school playing its first game of all time, on Saturday in the Division II-South opener for both of those teams.

From staff reports

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