USA 33 Mexico 52
The DAC Panthers from Queens and Long Island found Mexico’s offense too potent and slipped to a 52-33 defeat in their final game of the NFL Flag Football World Championship in Cologne, Germany. Playing for ninth place in the tournament, the New York youngsters went into the second game of a best of three series trailing by a loss suffered on Friday and were unable to force a third game.
“We knew coming into this tournament that it was going to be difficult, but I think we can go home proud that we played well and were close in most games,” said coach Jimmy Gavalas. “We started off well by beating Korea on Thursday, but the size and speed of some teams has been too much for us. I hope we can win the national finals in November and come back again next year and be more competitive.”
The Panthers might not have been crowned champions on the field, but the six 11 and 12 year olds competing in the seventh annual event aimed at 12 to 14-year olds left a lasting impression on their opponents.
“They kinda see us as their little brothers,” said Eddie Roscigno, who scored his tenth touchdown of the tournament in the loss to Mexico. “They are all very friendly and even though we’re smaller than they are they know we can play well and put points on the board.”
Against Mexico Roscigno tied the game at 14-4 after teammate Nicky Athanasopoulos had cancelled out an opening score. But Las Aguilas from Monterrey opened up a 32-14 advantage as halftime approached. Before the interval Anthony Libroia danced down the right sideline and was stopped within two yards of the end zone with five seconds remaining. Quarterback Yanni Gavalas hit Libroia as the half closed and the same combination tagged on a two-point conversion to remain in contention at 32-20.
The second half began cruelly for the Panthers when Daniel Moreno made a full stretch grab for a touchdown and a 39-26 Mexico advantage, but Brian Kruger’s score and an extra point pass to Roscigno kept the USA in touch at 39-27.
Mexico raced to a 55-27 lead, but in keeping with their never say die attitude, the Panthers hit back to have the final say when Gavalas found Athanasopoulos for a consolation score.
The US team and 29-stong party of family and friends are due back at New York’s JFK airport on Sunday evening.