USA stunned by Canada in U-19 finale

Austin (KXAN) - The United States under-19 National Team was upset by Canada 23-17 in the gold medal game of the IFAF World Championship Saturday night at Burger Stadium.

Entering the game, Team USA had never trailed at any point in the tournament’s history. Against Canada, team USA – made up mostly of division-I bound high school players – never led.

“I can’t believe we lost, it just feels like a waste of the last two weeks,” said team USA linebacker and former Westlake High standout Lance Duran. “It was a fun two weeks but I just can’t believe we lost.”

Team USA struggled with penalties and quarterback Brayden Scott threw a pair of interceptions.

“It hurts for a number of reasons but one that sticks out for me is I feel like I let down my country,” Scott said.

For the Canadians, the win was a statement for football in their country.

“People look at Canada as a hockey nation,” quarterback Will Finch said. “This proved to them that football is one of our big things and it’s really underestimated.”

While America will always be the home of football, the win gives Canada serious international bragging rights.

“We showed to all of the world that we’re the best and the best football in the world is played in Canada,” defensive back Tomy Duperron said.