Panama claimed seventh place overall at the 2024 IFAF U20 world Junior Championships as running back Luke Koening stormed to the game’s MVP title with five rushing touchdowns in a 50-14 victory over Brazil.
Koening rushed 19 times for 262 yards at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton and fellow back Francisco Saldivar found the end zone on a 51-yard dash. Saldivar also connected with quarterback Cristian Restrepo, who completed 9 of 29 pass attempts for 114 yards, for a touchdown through the air.
Photo: Moush John
The first half was a close contest with Panama leading 14-7 at halftime. Gabriel Lopes had tied the score for Brazil at 7-7 with a 5-yard rush and it was 14 apiece in the second quarter after a 5-yard pass from Gustavo Cornelius to Lucas Barros.
Then Panama gained the upper hand, scoring five rushing touchdowns without reply, including four from the unstoppable Koening.