We'll use that as a segue to make reference to the third game of the 2011 event, the first one in which Canada participated. Daniel Fettner wrote the recap below. Both of the other games, against Austria and France, have already been covered here. Simply click on the label at right or at the bottom of the post to read more.
...Both teams scored on their opening possession. Running back Matt Walter had three attempts to score on the ground repelled as the Japanese defense held. Canada then gambled on fourth down and a two-yard pass from Mike Faulds eventually landed in the hands of a diving Michel-Pierre Pontbriand in the end zone after a deflection and Canada led with 5.38 remaining in the first quarter.
Japan was more economical with the end zone at their mercy and on second and goal Yasuhiro Maruta took a side step to the left and raced in to score from a yard out and tie the game after a successful extra point. Japan tried to catch Canada off-guard with an onside kick but failed to recover. Canada was unable to capitalize on good field position and both teams twice traded punts.
MVP (David) Stevens ran off tackle on a four-yard run to the right side for six more points and a 14-7 lead with 1.22 left to play in the half, but again Japan replied. A Tetsuo Takata pass to Michihiro Ogawa opened up the field and the quarterback then went to Takuya Furutani with a 15-yard toss to again level the scores.
Canada worked the clock well to set up Lirim Hajrullahu for a 32-yard field goal to close the half and lead 17-14 at the interval.
Japan methodically moved downfield to open the second half. A superb diving catch by Ken Shimizu moved the ball to the Canada 26 and Japan then lined up in the wildcat formation and ran a reverse to put the ball back in the hands of Takata and his pass found Furutani at the 11.
Two runs and an incompletion failed to beak down Canadian defenses and Japan settled for a 23-yard Daisuki Aoki field goal to tie the game for the third time at 17-17.
Japan defensive back Koki Kato produced his third interception of the tournament and that led to another Aoki field goal, this time from 29 yards, and Japan’s first lead at 20-17. But Matt Walter responded with a three-yard rushing touchdown as Canada reclaimed the lead 24-20.
Japan was backed up near the end zone, but rallied to drive and score to again move ahead, this time by 27-24. Yasuhiro Maruta found a hole and a first down at the 25 then passes to Nori Kinoshita and Ogawa drove the ball to the Canada 30 with six minutes to play. Kinoshita was pushed out at the two by Troy Adams and from there on first and goal, Tomokazu Sueyoshi punched in for a touchdown.
Canada replied immediately as Faulds was forced out of pocket but hit Stevens on a stunning 72-yard connection and then from their own first and goal at the one, Canada scored what proved to be the winning touchdown as Walter broke the plain with 3.31 remaining.
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The Canadian defense held firm as Japan went for glory on fourth down but a pass bounced off the hands of Ogawa, then on the game’s final play, Julien Hamel intercepted to close the victory.It's like I've always said: You NEVER throw the ball in the direction of Koki Kato!
All right, I've never actually said that. But this was the first of a couple of times where Japan has given the Canadians a scare so I will say again: Do NOT fall asleep on Japan in these tournaments. One of these days, they are going to break someone's heart; either Canada's or Team USA's, while everyone is watching for Mexico to do so since that country has shown improvement of its own.
In terms of the 2011 tournament, Canada went on to lose 50-7 to the United States so it'll probably be a while before THAT recap makes its way onto here. ;-) Japan defeated Mexico for bronze, 17-14.
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