Team Canada (1-0) will face Team Japan (0-1) in the second round of the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships in Mexico City, July 18.
The Canadians pounded Team Sweden 49-6 on the opening day of the six team tournament while Japan lost to Team Mexico 31-14.
This will be the third time these two countries will face each other since the the inaugural tournament was held in 2009. Canada has won both times. In 2009 in Canton, Ohio, Canada slipped past the Japanese 38-35. Three years later, the tournament was held in Austin, Texas and the Canadians prevailed again winning 33-24 in the semifinals. Team Canada went on to beat the United States in the final that year to win the gold medal.
Canada handled their opening game against Team Sweden with ease exploding for a 35-0 halftime lead and cruising to the win. Quarterback Dylan Tabone looked comfortable against the Swedes while Canada’s running game was impressive. Freud Jean Ernst Cesar was dangerous the entire game and opened the game with a 60 yard scamper that led to Canada’s first touchdown. The Philpot twins, Tyson and Jalen give the Canadians an explosive offense.
Japan surrendered a 6-3 halftime lead against Team Mexico in their opening round game as the speed of the Mexicans proved too much in the second half Against Canada, Team Japan will have to find a way to contain Canada’s offensive weapons.
Nevertheless, games between these two countries are never easy to predict.