Canada kicked off with the benefit of starting near the 50-yard line after a botched New Zealand kickoff and worked its way downfield. Julian Bailey took the ball to the 1-yard line before running back Steven Lumbala ran the ball into the end zone for the first touchdown of the game and historically, the first touchdown in tournament history. Lirim Hajrullahu's kick was good giving Canada the early advantage.
New Zealand opted for a passing game on its first possession, attempting a long pass on the first play. Canada defensive back Jordan Duncan intercepted and Canada quickly regained possession on the 40-yard line.
Jeremie Doyon-Roch fired a 46-yard pass to wide receiver Taylor Nill taking Canada down to the 10-yard line and then tossed a 5-yard pass to wide receiver Julian Bailey for Canada's second touchdown of the game making the score 13-0 with six minutes left to play in the first quarter.
New Zealand was forced to go three-and-out after switching to the running game, then in reply, Canada's running back Maxime Boutin returned the punt from his own 40-yard line to the 21 to start off the next Canadian possession.
The running game continued to produce well with a 6-yard run for a touchdown by Lumbala and Canada's third touchdown in the first quarter and a 20-0 lead with 2:45 left to play in the first quarter.
Canada quarterback Brandon Bridge also showcased his running skills, taking the ball to the 50-yard line and out of bounds, then after completing a pass to wide receiver Sebastien Blanchard, raced down the sideline for a 42-yard score.
New Zealand lost possession after a kick return bounced awkwardly at the Canada 26-yard line and Doyon-Roch fired a pass to wide receiver Taylor Nill on the 12-yard line then found open wide receiver Adam Thibault in the end zone making it 34-0.
Boutin rushed 14 yards to score the sixth touchdown of the game for a 41-point lead with almost two minutes left to play in the second quarter.
New Zealand held Canada to close out the half, then in the third quarter Canada's Alex Anthony fumbled on the punt return giving New Zealand possession at the 39-yard line. Meredith continued to attempt the long pass game but could not connect with wide receiver Josiah O'Connell.
Canada's Anthony returned a kickoff 35 yards and Guillaume Bourassa earned good field position on a drive that ended with Franck Marvel scoring from 5 yards out.
Boutin scored his second - and most spectacular - touchdown in the fourth quarter when he raced 78 yards down the sideline to the end zone.The tournament was held in Canton, Ohio. Canada went on to edge Japan 38-35 but got skunked in the gold medal game by the United States by a score of 41-03.
Steven Lumbala had a prolific career for the University of Calgary and was a 1st-round draft choice of the Montreal Alouettes in 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment