If we were in a normal situation, most folks would claim that “gremlins” are involved with Division I football. "Ramstein losing to Patch" Heidelberg losing to Wiesbaden… hmmmmmm
Truth is, programs change, student populations change, coaches change and DoDDS football is ever in flux.
K-Town (0-2) @ Filton (1-1)
K-town is still looking for win #1. Filton squeaked out a 6-0 win over Lakenheath, which handled K-town in week #1. On paper, Filton wins. Given all the surprises so far, who knows? That being said, One team will be playing catch-up after this game and one will have “new life”! It is a short season!
Heidelberg (1-1) @ Lakenheath (1-1)
Both teams’ perfect seasons came to a screeching halt this past weekend. Heidelberg’s 9 game winning streak was run over by a rebound run-away train from Wiesbaden and Lakenheath was shut down by a large, physical team from Filton. Heidelberg’s spread attack requires some athletes to stop. Wiesbaden seems to have found the secret no teams have discovered in the past few years. Lakenheath has a week to learn a similar game plan.
Vilseck (2-0) @ Ramstein (1-1)
Most folks have forgotten the Vilseck win over Ramstein a few years ago. Vilseck is riding high and is a strong candidate to challenge Europe’s largest high school. Ramstein had a badly needed big win over cross-town rival K-Town this past weekend. This weekend will test how much the Royals have improved. Vilseck defeated the Patch team that upset the Royals in week 1, so this will be a big test for the Royals.
Patch (1-1) @ Wiesbaden (1-1)
Patch’s undefeated season came crashing down this past weekend against Vilseck, but the powerful rushing attack of the Panthers should insure a good season. The next obstacle is Wiesbaden, with a tough rushing attack and an outstanding back of their own. Wiesbaden showed great growth between week 1 and 2 and should give a true picture of how solid the 2011 Patch program is.
Division II
The pre-season predictions have proved to be accurate so far. Bitburg, Baumholder and ISB return the most lettermen, are all undefeated and all play in the North Division. Baumholder and Bitburg have run roughshod over their first few opponents. In the South Division, Ansbach seems to be playing their normal level of football, along with Naples. This week should provide some clarity, with 2-0 Aviano and 2-0 Naples squaring off, as well as 2-0 Baumholder and 3-0 Bitburg.
Aviano (2-0) @ Naples (2-0)
Aviano stumbled in the pre-season against Rota, but has won 2 games in regular season. Naples won the opening game in a tight one against Hohenfels, but surged strongly versus Vicenza, The Naples coaches have declared their defense one of the best in Europe. Aviano becomes the third team to challenge that statement. So far, Naples has given up 12 points.
Bitburg (3-0) @ Baumholder (2-0)
Bitburg returns about ¾ of their championship team from 2010. Many prognosticators have penciled in Bitburg as the Division II champ this year. Baumholder returns many players from the 2010 season as well and has some move-ins. Both teams have scored big points so far. How long has it been since Baumholder defeated Bitburg? Will this be the year? This game will go a long way in establishing the “pecking order” in the North.
Hohenfels (0-2) @ Ansbach (2-0)
Athletic Hohenfels has shown some talent on defense, but is not scoring many points, playing tough in losses to Naples and Aviano. Ansbach has averaged 48 points a game so far. Hohenfels has talent and needs a great defensive game plan to re-start their playoff quest. Ansbach is a tough place to start such a quest. The Cougars have lost 1 game in 11 years on their home field.
Vicenza (0-2) @ Schweinfurt (0-2)
Both teams need a win, after big losses in the past two weeks. Schweinfurt is the upstart in this game, as well established Vicenza holds most of the cards. The loser of this game faces a hard road to make the playoffs. Schweinfurt would like to get their first win in school history. Vicenza, at home, will try to get their engine started and win a playoff spot.
ISB had a tough game in their first win of the season versus AFNORTH. SHAPE has struggled in big losses so far. Is this the game that SHAPE turns around their fortunes? SHAPE needs a win. How good is ISB? With 20 returning lettermen, ISB should be a solid choice in this game, but you can never tell….
So far, Division III appears to have 3 main players (Menwith Hill, Bamberg and Rota). Alconbury, Brussels and defending champion, Sigonella, are in speed-up mode to get that final playoff spot. Several years ago, Alconbury ran through regular season with few wins but came on like gangbusters in the playoffs. It is too soon to tell who the final 4 will be, but this weekend will help to clarify the picture.
Alconbury (1-1) @ Rota (2-0)
Rota has looked like a juggernaut so far. Alconbury returned to the winners column with a win over Brussels, but is far from the team that played in the Division III championships in the past two years. How good is the Rota team that handled D II Aviano a few weeks ago? Alconbury will help answer these questions and will also establish the playoff pecking order this weekend. Duke Eidt is back at the helm at Alconbury.
Bamberg (2-0) @ Sigonella (0-2)
Bamberg is a seasoned competitor that has played in Divison II. They are athletic and talented. Sigonella is the defending D III champion, but is in a big-time rebuilding mode. They would love to pull themselves back into the playoff picture. Beating Bamberg will be a tall order for them.
Menwith Hill (1-1) @ Brussels (0-2)
Menwith Hill is a frustrated football team, after multiple turnovers in a loss to Bamberg. Brussels is looking to get in the win column. Brussels will need their best game to have a chance versus the hungry Mustangs.
