AFNORTH receiver and running back Nathen Goldsmith blows past defenders for a touchdown in the first half of a football game against the Hohenfels Tigers on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. Goldsmith finished the night with two rushing and one receiving touchdowns. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

HOHENFELS, Germany – The AFNORTH Lions won the battle of the big cats Friday night as they shredded through the Hohenfels Tigers, 56-6.

The tone was set on the first play by the much larger AFNORTH squad, which scored four times in the first quarter on the first play of each possession. The game was officially over at halftime due to DODEA-Europe’s mercy rule.

After not having completed a pass their first three games, the Lions suddenly discovered an air attack as quarterback Anthony Romar connected with Nathan Goldsmith on a play that went all the way to the end zone. 

AFNORTH’s second touchdown of the night came on Nik Fulde’s long run on the first play of the second drive. 

The Tigers looked like they might have found a breath of fresh air on offense after running back Trashon Fortenberry was able to find the end zone after a couple of solid passing plays.  

However, the Lions responded with two more touchdowns to take a large advantage through the opening period.

“Our emphasis this week was to spread the ball around,” AFNORTH coach James Argyle said. “We didn’t want to be just a one-trick pony.” 

Hohenfels did show signs of being able to move the ball against the Lions, but a series of mishandled snaps and fumbles lead to their eventual demise.

“Our defense played a little messy,” Argyle said. “But ultimately they were able to get the job done.”

Five Hohenfels turnovers and the large lead allowed the Lions to work on both their running and passing attacks while rotating in a mix of reserves.

Goldsmith, Fulde and WR/RB Davon Jones combined for six touchdowns and six two-point conversions. The other touchdown came from receiver James Bennett’s long touchdown reception. 

Argyle said the Lions look to carry the momentum into the following weeks as they host Brussels next week, pending a U.S. government shutdown that would shutter all DODEA-Europe sports.

AFNORTH’s Nik Fulde rushes in the second touchdown of the night during a win against the Hohenfels Tigers on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. Fulde finished the night with a touchdown and a handful of two-point conversions. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Hohenfels receiver Hector Prano recovers his fumble after a short catch and run in the first half of a football game against the AFNORTH Lions on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Julian Yazzie puts together a short run after the catch for Hohenfels during a football game against the AFNORTH Lions on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Versatile Hohenfels player Brian David carries the pile of AFNORTH defenders with him on a short catch and run in the first half of a football game against the AFNORTH Lions on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Hohenfels’ Preston Mitchell Hands it off to running back Trashon Fortenberry for Hohenfels’ only touchdown of the game on a run outside of the numbers on the right side of the field during a football game against the AFNORTH Lions on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

AFNORTH’s Everett Reeves takes the ball downfield in the second half of a football game against the Hohenfels Tigers on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hohenfels Middle High School. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)