Author: Giono Aloisio
The United States began its quest to seize the IFAF U20 World Junior Championship crown from Canada with an 86-12 victory over Panama at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
USA quarterbacks Aliam Apple and Anthony Luna shared time under center and combined for 267 yards and 24 first downs. Running back Jadon Alston led the USA ground game with 24 points and 90 yards on 13 carries in the victory.
“I'm proud of where we are right now,” U.S. head coach Mike Kelly said after the win. “I'm not taking anything for granted, but I'm really happy with our first appearance.”
The U.S. will face either Japan or Australia in the semifinals on Wednesday at 12 p.m.
Photo: James McLennan
The Americans quickly jumped out to a lead within the first few minutes of the game, scoring six points on the opening drive with a 22-yard pass from Dutch Fork High School quarterback Ariam Apple to wide receiver Marvin Brown from Sanford Seminole High School.
The U.S. continued to build its lead over Panama, adding 22 points by the end of the first quarter on rushing touchdowns from University of Colorado-Pueblo wide receiver Layton Duncan, Apple and West Liberty University running back Jaedon Alston.
With the U.S. leading 28-0, the two-time gold medalists added 23 more points as wide receivers Oliver Van Dyke, Kamron Johnson and running back Jaedon Alston combined for three touchdowns and a 51-0 lead at halftime.
Photo: James McLennan
Panama, which finished in eighth place in its first appearance since the 2012 tournament, had 99 yards of total offense, 61 of which came from running back Leonard Anderson.
The passing game led the Central American country offensively. Quarterback Christian Restrepo threw for 108 yards in the first half and connected with wide receiver Juan Pablo Bilbao and running back Francisco Saldivar for Panama's only touchdown of the game. Restrepo completed 14 of 28 passes for 145 yards and one interception.
“It was a tough game,” Panama wide receiver Bilbao said. “I thought we could play better, but we didn't. There are some things we need to improve on.”
Panama's tournament continues on Wednesday when they will face the loser of the Japan-Australia match at 11 a.m. local time at Clark Stadium.
