The defending Kanto champion Nihon University Phoenix got off to a fine start thanks to big-time offense by trouncing the Nippon Sport Science Triumphant Lion 56-14 on Sunday at Amino Vital Field in Kanto Collegiate Football League action.

Operating their trademark shotgun formation, the Phoenix showcased their outstanding passing attack, gaining 292 yards in the air.

Sophomore quarterback Ryohei Takahashi threw two long touchdown passes — of 45 yards and a 51 yards — to wide receiver Aruto Nishimura to illuminate the first half, in which the Phoenix scored a touchdown in five of seven possessions.

The Phoenix also outperformed the Lion by marking 155 yards. Kazuki Takaguchi scored two rushing touchdowns and on a 72-yard kickoff return.

Reserve quarterback Ryosuke Nishizawa played the fourth quarter and threw two scoring passes to Ryunosuke Saeki.

Yota Tsuji threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another for the Triumphant Lion, but the defense allowed too many scoring opportunities to the Phoenix.

In other games on Sunday at the same venue, quarterback Tsubasa Takagi threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two more while running back Yasutaka Takagi scored five touchdowns to lead the Keio University Unicorns to a 70-42 victory over the Rikkyo University Rushers.

The Hosei University Tomahawks beat the Chuo Univeristy Racoons 26-6 in a game which was suspended with 4:56 to play on Saturday because of a thunderstorm and resumed on Sunday.