By Staff
EAST LANSING – Michigan State incoming freshmen Chris Norman and Micajah Reynolds earned gold medals Sunday, as Team USA defeated top-seeded Canada, 41-3, in the inaugural International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship game before a crowd of 15,473 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Canada earned the tournament's No. 1 seed by winning three straight NFL Global Junior Championships (2005-07).
Team USA outscored its three tournament opponents, 174-3, including shutout victories over France (78-0) in the opening round and Mexico (55-0) in the semifinals. Canada advanced to the gold-medal game with consecutive wins over New Zealand (55-0) and Japan (38-35).
Team USA dominated play on both sides of the football, as the Americans outgained Canada in total yards, 408-49. Team USA's defense limited Canada to minus 8 yards rushing and five first downs.