Canada’s under-18 national team falls to the United States at 2019 International Bowl

By Ameeta Vohra

The United States proved to be too much for Canada’s under-18 national team to handle on Friday at the 2019 International Bowl.

Down a 14-0 deficit after the first half, the Canadians tried to mount a late comeback in the fourth quarter but fell to the Americans 27-10 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Canada came close to getting the first points of the game when kicker Ben Hadley attempted a 37 yard field goal; however, it was nearly blocked and the ball sailed wide left.

Rival United States struck first in the game.  With 4:43 remaining before halftime, Ken Seals connected with Jared Gipson for a 56 yard touchdown reception to take the lead.

Hoping to build upon their leading heading into the half, the United States attempted a field goal but it coasted wide to the left.

At halftime, the United States held the 7-0 advantage over Canada.

The United States continued to press ahead, riding on their momentum in the second half.  After a successful onside kick, the United States struck again 12 seconds into the third quarter when Trey Dawson found Seven McGee for a 45 yard touchdown reception to increase their lead over Canada 14-0.

However, Canada began to mount a late comeback in the fourth quarter as quarterback Xavier Tremblay connected with Keelan White for a four yard touchdown reception.  That was culmination of a drive that was eight plays and 40 yards 21 seconds into the final frame.

Hadley got a chance at redemption after missing the first attempt at a field goal.  Just over the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, the kicker was successful on a 26 yard attempt to pull Canada within four points of the United States.

Despite signs of life in the fourth quarter, the comeback was quickly halted when the United States responded with two unanswered touchdowns.  Myles Nash sprinted down the field and into the end zone with a 75 yard touchdown score. With 2:27 remaining in the game, the United States put the game out of reach when Dawson got his second passing touchdown of the game, connecting with Charles Finley for a 38 yard reception.

Player of the game was McGee, the United States receiver who racked up 73 yards on four receptions, 51 yards on 4 carries and a receiving touchdown. Teammate Nash led all rushers with 113 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

Tremblay was a bright spot for Canada as he completed 14 passes in 25 attempts for 168 yards and a touchdown.  White led all of the team’s rushers and receivers with 64 yards on six receptions and a touchdown.  Lucas Robertson had 50 yards on four receptions while Adley Mayala added 51 yards on two receptions for Canada.

Defensively, the United States’ Matthew Horne registered eight tackles (seven solo and one assisted). Joseph Perkins added seven tackles (six solo and one assisted), while Caleb Murphy had five tackles (four solo, one assisted, two for a loss) and a sack.  Additionally, Isaiah Gamble also chipped in with five tackles (one solo, four assisted, 1.5 for a loss) and a sack.

As for Canada, Cameron Mah led the way with five tackles (one solo and five assisted).  Also, Dorian Daniel-Roy added four tackles (three solo, one assisted and two for a loss) and a sack.  Isaiah Letander (two solo, two assisted and one for a loss) and Nathan Carabatsakis (two solo, two assisted and 0.5 for a loss) each chipped in with four tackles.

“It was great to come down again and play Team U.S.A,” commented head coach Steve Sumarah after the game.  “It was a fantastic experience for our players staff and coaches.”

“Unfortunately, in a one game series, plays and bounces don’t go your way.  It seemed to be the situation for us today.  Having watched the past couple of years of the International Bowl, it continues to be such a great experience for the players and their opportunities to be involved in such a high level event.  Playing at AT&T Stadium, it’s second to none.”

Despite the disappointment of the outcome, Sumarah said the team should take pride in the positives that came from Friday’s game.

“I think the team overall played well with only a couple of days of practice they came together and battled a very talented U.S.A. team,” he expressed.   “Overall, I was pleased with the effort and attitude these players represented themselves and their country very well.”