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It didn’t start out that way. Team México’s quarterback Roberto Isaias Vega under threw a deep pass that went for a Sweden interception. But México’s defense came in and set the tone for the rest of the game—the defense only allowed Sweden seven first downs along with only 23 rushing yards on 18 attempts and forced three turnovers.
México’s offense woke up after the first possession and played with confidence. Vega hit wide receiver Diego Jair Viamontes for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping a 9-play, 65-yard drive. Isaias Vega went 3-3 on the drive for 42 yards. He also rushed four times for 15 yards. México never looked back.
After the México defense forced a fumble on the Sweden three-yard line, Vega punched it in with a two-yard run, making it 14-0. The next two drives, Sweden’s defense stood firm allowing two short field goals in the red zone and at half the score was 20-0.
To start the third quarter, Sweden drove down to México’s 25, but México blocked a field goal attempt. México’s offense picked up right where it left off. Isaias Vega led the team down the field and hit Sergio González for a 29-yard TD pass, finishing a drive that made it 27-0.
México’s team-depth showed itself as three quarterbacks threw for 262 yards with 18 completions in 35 attempts. Team México also ran for 145 yards, led by Vega with 45 yards, David Alexis Paz with 34 yards, Octavio Fernández and Edgar Arroyo each with 29 yards.
México’s defense kept Sweden on its heels throughout the game. They allowed Sweden to possess the football for only 47 plays and 20 minutes, while México held the ball for 67 plays, over 28 minutes. Overall, México amassed 386 yards to 111 yards for Sweden.
Sweden’s Head Coach, Jan Jenmert, said in a post game interview, “We knew they would sore on us, but we did not generate anything on offense to over come that.
México’s head coach, Ernesto Alfaro del Villar, said, “We were happy with this game and I feel we beat a very good team.” As over 10,000 fans filled Fawcett Stadium, México’s wide receiver Juan Carlos Maya said of the Latino community support for México, “It was amazing to see the support in the stadium. It is great to see all those people and to win for them.”
This victory now pits number three seed México against the number two seed United States. The United States thrashed France in the first round 78-0, to make it into the second round. The two teams will play on July 1, 2009, 7:00 pm at Fawcett Stadium in Canton. The winner plays for the championship Sunday July 5 and the losing teams plays Saturday evening for third place.
Fútbol Americano kicks off tournament with speech by Anthony Muñoz
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