(Stars and Stripes)

The two schools in the Kaiserslautern Military Community won’t be playing when the Division I football playoffs open in a few weeks. That’s because they have both clinched first-round byes.

Kaiserslautern clinched the second seed with a 14-3 win over Stuttgart Friday evening at Stuttgart High School, knocking the defending champion Panthers out of a tie for second behind unbeaten Ramstein. The Raiders and Royals host the winners of first-round games Oct. 26.

Defense once again was key the Raiders (3-1).

Garrett Vitter proved to be a menace from the defensive line. The sophomore sacked the Panthers’ quarterback three times, forced and recovered a fumble, and even batted down a pass.

Joshua Kim picked off two passes, and Sevastian Quiles recorded an interception.

Kaiserslautern did just enough on offense to make those turnover count.

Quarterback Rueben Todman and Aaron Potter connected on a 36-yard touchdown. Potter, a senior receiver, totaled 86 yards.

Todman passed for 138 yards and added another 55 yards on the ground.

Noah Worthington had 81 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Raiders.

The Raiders finish the regular season with a home game against Lakenheath on Oct. 4, while the Panthers (2-2) travel to Vilseck the same day.

Ramstein 36, Lakenheath 7: The Royals clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a big win across the English Channel against the Lancers on Friday evening.

Senior Kydan Echard had himself yet another day on both sides of the ball. He scampered for 156 yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown. Then, defensively, the senior totaled seven tackles – two for a loss – and a sack.

Nate Rutlege rushed the ball just six times for 24 yards, but the senior running back made them count by reaching the end zone twice.

Quarterback Michael Gonzales had an efficient day through the air, going 13 of 16 for 147 yards and a score.

Christian Roy paced the receiving corps with seven receptions for 64 yards and touchdown, while Shaun Young produced 60 yards and a score on four grabs. Caden Nims added 31 yards on four catches.

Defensively, Javier Harrington continued to dominate opposing defenses. The junior amassed 10 tackles, two for a loss, and added two sacks.

Chris Farrington chipped in with eight tackles, one for a loss, and one sack.

Brett Monson, a junior, force and recovered a fumble.

The Royals host Wiesbaden on Oct. 4, while the Lancers end the regular season at Kaiserslautern.

Division III

Sigonella 45, Brussels 0: The Jaguars clinched the top seed in the Division III playoffs with a big win at the Brigands on Saturday.

Sigonella (4-0) awaits the fourth seed, with the two teams squaring off Oct. 19. Brussels (3-1), meanwhile, heads to Baumholder for both squads’ regular-season finale on Oct. 4.

Information on Vilseck-Wiesbaden, AFNORTH-International School of Brussels, Ansbach-Spangdahlem and Alconbury-Baumholder was not available by 7 p.m. CET Saturday.