The Bremen High School football team had a strong offensive showing Friday night in its season opener against Alexander, winning 41-31 over the Class AAAA squad.

With a patient and very potent running game, Bremen scored touchdowns on six of its seven possessions and were never stopped by the Cougars. The Blue Devils amassed 379 total yards, with all but 63 of those coming on the ground. Bremen’s only non-scoring drive ended as time expired in the first half.

The Blue Devils began the game driving 80 yards, capped by a 35-yard touchdown run by Marcus Coggins. But Alexander answered with a 40-yard kickoff return by Greg Brackins. That set up a 27-yard field goal by William Meira. The first quarter ended 7-3.

Bremen got 21 points in the second quarter to 7 for the Cougars. Alexander’s touchdown came on a beautiful front corner-of-the-endzone loft from quarterback Colton Harris to receiver Darius Safford. The play covered 16 yards, ending a 53-yard drive. At the half, Bremen led 28-10.

Both teams scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Alexander’s score came on an eight-play, 79 yard touchdown drive. Nick Quarterman had a huge gain of 28 yards (one of many electric runs by the senior), and Safford scored the touchdown on a spectacular 29-yard burst around left end. That closed the gap to 28-17 before Bremen pulled further ahead 35-17.

Alexander outscored the Blue Devils 14-6 in the final quarter. A seven-play, 76-yard drive ended with a two-yard touchdown by Safford. And a four-play, 51-yard drive ended with a quarterback sneak for the final Cougar touchdown.

Except for a few intentional throw-aways, Cougar quarterback Harris looked good on his throws. He finished the night 7-of-14 for 86 yards.

Defensively, senior linebacker Gary Wade had nine tackles. Safford, in his linebacker role, totalled 10 tackles. And sophomore lineback Cody Griggs also had nine big tackles for Alexander.