IFAF World Junior Championships: Canada rolls over Team Brazil

| 2024 IFAF World U20 Championship | 06/23/2024

By Geono Aloisio

Canada began their quest for a record third-straight IFAF U20 World Junior Championship title with an explosive win over team Brazil at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

The Canadian offense dominated the Brazilians, gathering 383 rushing yards compared to the South Americans’ 17 in a 110-0 victory. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the two teams celebrated as one afterwards, Brazil noting that the opportunity to play against the top ranked nation in junior football can only inspire them to build on the development that is in its infancy.

“It’s a dream come true because to play real football here, we feel this was a great game,” said an emotional Brazil head coach Adan Rodriguez. “Canada are amazing and I’m really proud of my team for never giving up and playing until the very last play.”

Brazil’s leading receiver and team MVP Lucas Barros added:

“Being on the field and playing against those college commits and the top players in Canada was amazing. I know this is the top level we can possibly play internationally so I’m very proud of our team.”

Four Team Canada running backs combined for 60 points and 383 yards on 31 carries in the game. On Wednesday at 5pm in Commonwealth Stadium, the defending champions now face an Austrian team that looked impressive in their demolition of Canada’s second team.

Running back Lenoard Lemay scored to open the floodgates and Canada found the endzone 13 more times while shutting out their opponent. Running back Charles Fortin earned the MVP award for Canada with two rushing scores.

“I think it went as well as could be expected,” said Canada head coach Warren Craney. “We didn’t show a lot on tape, so I think it’s a pretty big advantage for us now going into the next game.”

“We also came out of this game really nice and healthy, which is important when you’re playing three games in a short space of time. We’re going to focus on recovery going into Austria. We know they’re a good team, but we know we’re good too.”