Foster’s “Sanford & Sons” picked up where they left off, opening their U.S. Forces Japan-American Football League season the same way they closed the last one.

James Sanford threw for three touchdowns, ran for two others plus a two-point conversion and Sherman Vicks hauled in a crucial interception as the Bulldogs held off Camp Hansen 32-22 on Saturday at the Hansen Parade Deck.

It wasn’t pretty, though. The Bulldogs suffered some slipups on special teams, allowing the Wolf Pack to get back in the game after falling behind 16-0 in the first half.

“We had some issues with special teams, missed tackles and long kickoff returns that set up Hansen for scores,” Foster outside linebacker Ken Bryant said. “The defense was sound. Just some minor things on offense and special teams.”

It was Foster’s first game since the Bulldogs’ comeback 24-20 win at Misawa in the Torii Bowl title game last Aug. 20.

Sanford threw all three touchdowns to Allein Powell, a 70-yard bomb, a 50-yard strike and a 12-yarder on a fade pattern. Each of Sanford’s touchdown runs came on short bursts.

Hansen replied with a touchdown run by quarterback Aaron Gudex, a Gudex 48-yard pass to James Fulz and Enrique Mendez’s 2-yard run.

“We have to continue to work on our offensive preparation,” Wolf Pack assistant coach Jason Stravers said. “I’m pleased with the way we played the defending champions. We have the makings for good success this season.”

Migrated