Okay, so I was totally wrong on this.
The game was streamed, but only following its conclusion. That meant that it would “air” at about 9PM Eastern. When I found that out, it slipped my mind, frankly. I was reminded of it this morning while posting about Eli Ankou joining UCLA officially as he was a participant in the game.
I went in looking to see how much the U.S. won by, to be honest. Reason? They have every advantage. At home, their rules, no language barriers, etc.
But I nearly cheered out loud when I saw the score.
The IFAF World Team won a thrilling 2012 International Bowl 35-29 despite a rousing U.S. Under-19 National Team comeback that fell just short in the fourth quarter.
The game marked the first loss in international competition at the senior or junior level by Team USA, including the 2007 and 2011 IFAF Senior World championships, the 2009 U-19 IFAF World Championship and two previous International Bowls.
University of Manitoba running back Anthony Coombs rushed for a game-high 147 yards and two touchdowns and Burlington (Canada) Nelson High School quarterback Will Finch completed 11-of-14 passes for 169 yards and a pair of scores to lead the World team to the victory.
The World Team got first half touchdown catches from Tevaun Smith and Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren and a rushing touchdown from game MVP Anthony Coombs to take a 21-9 commanding halftime lead at Austin’s Kelly Reeves Sports Complex.
And the game appeared won at 35-16 with a little more than five minutes remaining until the hosts scored twice to move within touching distance of what would have been a dramatic comeback. The World Team recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock before treating second-year head coach Greg Marshall to a Gatorade bath on the sideline, sparking wild celebrations.
I used to enjoy a similar tournament when it was country against country and to even the playing field, the American team was made up of players from the state hosting the Superbowl.
But then, Canada won gold three straight years, defeating the Americans. So now we have this instead. The American team can recruit from the entire country while a World team is put together mostly from Canadians, but also several other countries including France, Sweden, Austria, Norway…Not exactly what one considers to be football hotbeds.
But what do you know? Team World pulled out a convincing victory! Good on them and to local talent Ankou and Kadeem Vaillancourt.
Now take it easy on the Americans going forward. You don’t want to cause another format change.




