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VILSECK, Germany -- The Vilseck Falcons scored all of their points after halftime Saturday in a DODEA-Europe football season-opening 17-7 defeat of the visiting Lakenheath Lancers. Most of the key plays in the non-conference matchup happened on defense and special teams.

Lakenheath got on the board first on a 38-yard interception return for touchdown by Shayne Brooks, sending the Lancers into the halftime locker room up 7-0.

Vilseck evened the score in the third quarter with a special-teams breakthrough. Hayden Lupenski blocked a punt and Noble Herald recovered the loose ball on the 4-yard line to set up a short-yardage touchdown run by Jordan Leighty. Later in the quarter, Vilseck’s Ryan Heckert pounced on a fumbled snap and returned in 5 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

Cameron Gaetos kicked a 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to produce the Falcons’ final advantage.

Leighty finished with 42 rushing yards and 42 passing yards for the Falcons, while Aveon Buffin carried six times for 60 yards. Jonas Matthews made seven tackles and two sacks to pace the Falcons defensively.

Vilseck produced turnovers throughout the game; Leighty recovered two fumbles and Matt Gardner, Holcomb and Josh Valendbrun each had an interception.

Evan Butterfield led the Lancers on both sides of the ball, producing 46 rushing yards and nine tackles. Joey Glenk added seven tackles and a sack.

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