We all learned a few things from the latest installment of the IFAF World Cup. First and foremost, there is a massive divide between the football-dominant countries (i.e. the United States, Canada and Japan, and to a lesser extent Germany and Mexico) and everyone else. If American football is ever to become a world sport, this divide must be closed considerably. Consider that the team the United States sent to Japan to compete would probably not be able to win any Division I-A conference, and in the big six conferences likely would finish in the bottom half, and the point becomes clearer: the standard of football in the world has a long way to go to catch up with the United States.
USA football made a sage decision to limit its search to just recent NCAA players without NFL contracts. The double-overtime thriller against Japan in the final was the best thing that could have happened in this tournament. Had the United States sent a stronger team, like say the Southern California Trojans, then the competition would have been a joke. Consider what the Trojans do to most legitimate Division I-A competition, and you will begin to comprehend what a terrible idea that would have been. Then consider what the Indianapolis Colts would do to the Trojans, and again you will see how far the world still must come to compete with top-flight American football teams.
None of this should be shocking to even a casual observer of this competition, however. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will the international scene in American football. And it doesn't need to be built in a day. However, I believe yesterday will prove to be a cornerstone, one that will provide a solid foundation for the growth of this sport in the years to come.
So for those of you who lamented that the United States didn't send the Colts or the New York Giants, ask yourselves this: would you have any interest in watching America play soccer if we were facing off against a Brazil team so far advanced in talent that we were guaranteed to lose by at least six goals? Even those who don't have any interest whatsoever in soccer should be able to admit that if forced to watch the USA play, they'd rather see a contest where we have a chance of victory. And that was the key to the selection of the 2007 Team USA roster. USA football hit the nail right on the head, because they accomplished two important goals: (1) put out a team that will play competitive games against the strongest football countries outside the United States and (2) win the World Cup.
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
United States Outlast Japan for IFAF Title
by Todd Bell, USA Football
KAWASAKI, JAPAN – Nebraska-Omaha’s Kyle Kasperbauer rushed for two touchdowns and Southern Illinois’ Craig Coffin kicked three field goals, including a game-winning 23-yarder in overtime as the United States rallied to defeat Japan, 23-20 in the title game of the 2007 World Championship of American Football at Todoroki Stadium on rainy, windswept Sunday afternoon.
Kasperbauer rushed for 41 yards on the day and was named the MVP of the tournament. In three games he rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns.
"The biggest thing was to come out here and represent our country and we did a good job of that," Kasperbauer said. "When Craig kicked that ball through the uprights it was bliss. You couldn't ask for a better ending."
The tournament victory is the first for the United States, which made its first appearance in the world championship this year. Japan had won the previous two tournaments in 1999 and 2003 and was looking for a threepeat on its home turf.
Kasperbauer staked Team USA to a 7-0 lead with a 5-yard touchdown run with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The four-play, 15-yard drive was set up by a Kenny Chicoine interception on Japan’s opening possession of the game. But Japan found its tempo offensively following that series and ran off 10 unanswered points to close the half. After forcing a U.S. three-and-out deep in its own territory, Japan engineered a six-play 45-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass from Yuichi Tomizawa to Mitsunori Kihira to tie the score at 7-7 with just over eight minutes left in the half. Kasperbauer made his only gaffe of the day on the next possession when he fumbled after a short run to set Japan up at the U.S. 36-yard line. Six plays later Yosuke Kaneoya drilled a 49-yard field goal to Japan a 10-7 lead that held up through halftime.
Team USA found its offensive groove in the third quarter as Arizona’s Adam Ausitn engineered a short 17-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 35-yard field goal by Coffin to knot the score at 10-10.The United States appeared to have swung the momentum in its favor late in the fourth quarter when Cal Poly’s Chicoine blocked 40-yard field goal attempt by Kaneoya with just over eight minutes to go in the game. But the officials ruled that Team USA gained possession of the ball after the block then fumbled the ball back to Japan. Team Japan was given a first down on the U.S. 46-yard line and five plays later Tomizawa found Takuro Mayuzumi from six yards out for a 17-10 lead.
With the crowd and the elements working against them, Austin led the Americans on an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a five-yard run by Kasperbauer to tie the score at 17-17 with 2:51 to go. After holding Japan on its final possession of regulation Coffin was perfect a 43-yard field goal to open the first overtime. Japan answered with a field goal of its own to push the score to 20-20 and send the game to a second overtime. "We played the second half with a calm confidence and when we got into overtime I felt the tide had swung our way,” Head Coach John Mackovic said. "Our offense was moving the ball and defensively we began to gauge their offense much better. Japan used their speed to their advantage and their offensive and defensive lines both played very well against a bigger opponent."
Team USA’s defense kept Japan out of the end zone again in the second overtime and its field goal attempt was deflected by Syracuse’s Chris Thorner, giving the Americans a chance to win the game on the next possession. Kasperbauer and Hobart’s Doug Blakowski split six carries and pushed the ball down to the six-yard line to set up Coffin’s game winner."I was just thinking good snap, good hold, keep your head down," Coffin said. "I turned around and my teammates were running on the field. I’m just happy. I’ve never won anything in my life."
The loss was the first for Japan in World Championship competition.
Game Stats
KAWASAKI, JAPAN – Nebraska-Omaha’s Kyle Kasperbauer rushed for two touchdowns and Southern Illinois’ Craig Coffin kicked three field goals, including a game-winning 23-yarder in overtime as the United States rallied to defeat Japan, 23-20 in the title game of the 2007 World Championship of American Football at Todoroki Stadium on rainy, windswept Sunday afternoon.
Kasperbauer rushed for 41 yards on the day and was named the MVP of the tournament. In three games he rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns."The biggest thing was to come out here and represent our country and we did a good job of that," Kasperbauer said. "When Craig kicked that ball through the uprights it was bliss. You couldn't ask for a better ending."
The tournament victory is the first for the United States, which made its first appearance in the world championship this year. Japan had won the previous two tournaments in 1999 and 2003 and was looking for a threepeat on its home turf.
Kasperbauer staked Team USA to a 7-0 lead with a 5-yard touchdown run with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The four-play, 15-yard drive was set up by a Kenny Chicoine interception on Japan’s opening possession of the game. But Japan found its tempo offensively following that series and ran off 10 unanswered points to close the half. After forcing a U.S. three-and-out deep in its own territory, Japan engineered a six-play 45-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass from Yuichi Tomizawa to Mitsunori Kihira to tie the score at 7-7 with just over eight minutes left in the half. Kasperbauer made his only gaffe of the day on the next possession when he fumbled after a short run to set Japan up at the U.S. 36-yard line. Six plays later Yosuke Kaneoya drilled a 49-yard field goal to Japan a 10-7 lead that held up through halftime.
Team USA found its offensive groove in the third quarter as Arizona’s Adam Ausitn engineered a short 17-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 35-yard field goal by Coffin to knot the score at 10-10.The United States appeared to have swung the momentum in its favor late in the fourth quarter when Cal Poly’s Chicoine blocked 40-yard field goal attempt by Kaneoya with just over eight minutes to go in the game. But the officials ruled that Team USA gained possession of the ball after the block then fumbled the ball back to Japan. Team Japan was given a first down on the U.S. 46-yard line and five plays later Tomizawa found Takuro Mayuzumi from six yards out for a 17-10 lead.
With the crowd and the elements working against them, Austin led the Americans on an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a five-yard run by Kasperbauer to tie the score at 17-17 with 2:51 to go. After holding Japan on its final possession of regulation Coffin was perfect a 43-yard field goal to open the first overtime. Japan answered with a field goal of its own to push the score to 20-20 and send the game to a second overtime. "We played the second half with a calm confidence and when we got into overtime I felt the tide had swung our way,” Head Coach John Mackovic said. "Our offense was moving the ball and defensively we began to gauge their offense much better. Japan used their speed to their advantage and their offensive and defensive lines both played very well against a bigger opponent."
Team USA’s defense kept Japan out of the end zone again in the second overtime and its field goal attempt was deflected by Syracuse’s Chris Thorner, giving the Americans a chance to win the game on the next possession. Kasperbauer and Hobart’s Doug Blakowski split six carries and pushed the ball down to the six-yard line to set up Coffin’s game winner."I was just thinking good snap, good hold, keep your head down," Coffin said. "I turned around and my teammates were running on the field. I’m just happy. I’ve never won anything in my life."
The loss was the first for Japan in World Championship competition.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q5 | Q6 | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | USA | 7 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
 | Japan | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
Game Stats
Friday, July 13, 2007
From the Mailbag
By globalgridiron
I am in Tokyo for the World Cup and have seen every game thus far. I want to let you know Japan has a much better shot at winning on Sunday than people think. They run a 4 wide, shotgun offense and are coached extremely well. Despite their lack of size they are able to penetrate the backfield on defense and open holes on offense due to their complex blocking schemes. In fact, Sweden's offensive and defensive lines are much bigger than the US and the size of the players didn't effect Japan one bit.
If it doesn't rain (currently there is a typhoon off the coast of Japan that is supposed to hit on Sunday) Japan will be in the game, if not winning, in the 4th quarter. If it rains as expected, USA may have the advantage because the Japanese passing offense will be ineffective. However, Team USA didn't take care of the football against Germany and the Japanese defensive players are ballhawks. This game could go either way.
If Japan wins their will be people in the United States that think it is a joke because we didn't send Ray Lewis, LaDanian Tomlinson, and Peyton Manning. Let us not forget that it took football in the United States close to 50 years to really become popular and another 25 before it became the game we know today. The USA team is a solid team with many guys either trying out for NFL teams or turning down Arena League tryouts so they could participate in this event. We are not sending our best but it's certainly not a ragtag group of guys.
The growth in development of football in many countries is very strong and will only continue to be stronger in the years to come. IFAF is currently doing some great things despite the many challenges that it faces. Growing a sport in the modern day is much different than the way sports were grown almost a century ago and they are doing a tremendous job of recognizing this. When football is in the Olympics in the next 20 years we will all realize how quickly the game is growing around the world.
My prediction: If there are heavy rains, USA 18-13...If it doesn't rain that heavily, Japan 27-24!!!
I am in Tokyo for the World Cup and have seen every game thus far. I want to let you know Japan has a much better shot at winning on Sunday than people think. They run a 4 wide, shotgun offense and are coached extremely well. Despite their lack of size they are able to penetrate the backfield on defense and open holes on offense due to their complex blocking schemes. In fact, Sweden's offensive and defensive lines are much bigger than the US and the size of the players didn't effect Japan one bit.
If it doesn't rain (currently there is a typhoon off the coast of Japan that is supposed to hit on Sunday) Japan will be in the game, if not winning, in the 4th quarter. If it rains as expected, USA may have the advantage because the Japanese passing offense will be ineffective. However, Team USA didn't take care of the football against Germany and the Japanese defensive players are ballhawks. This game could go either way.
If Japan wins their will be people in the United States that think it is a joke because we didn't send Ray Lewis, LaDanian Tomlinson, and Peyton Manning. Let us not forget that it took football in the United States close to 50 years to really become popular and another 25 before it became the game we know today. The USA team is a solid team with many guys either trying out for NFL teams or turning down Arena League tryouts so they could participate in this event. We are not sending our best but it's certainly not a ragtag group of guys.
The growth in development of football in many countries is very strong and will only continue to be stronger in the years to come. IFAF is currently doing some great things despite the many challenges that it faces. Growing a sport in the modern day is much different than the way sports were grown almost a century ago and they are doing a tremendous job of recognizing this. When football is in the Olympics in the next 20 years we will all realize how quickly the game is growing around the world.
My prediction: If there are heavy rains, USA 18-13...If it doesn't rain that heavily, Japan 27-24!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Medal Round at a Glance
Pool play is over in the IFAF World Cup, meaning we're down to the placement games:
Obviously, the most anticipated of these games is the showdown between the United States -- the mother country of the sport -- and two-time defending world champions Japan. So naturally, I'll touch on that one last.
SOUTH KOREA vs. 
FRANCE
The good news is that one of these two countries will walk away from the IFAF World Cup on a winning note. South Korea has been massacred thus far in the tournament, tallying just two first downs total, both against Germany. In that stretch, the Koreans have been outscored 109-2, the second worst differential in tournament history (Finland was outscored 117-7 in 1999). But to be fair, Germany and the United States are both strong football teams.
Meanwhile, France also were the recipients of an epic beatdown, namely a 48-0 slaughter at the hands of host Japan in the tournament opener. However, the French nearly rebounded against Sweden, but fell 16-14 thanks to a Swedish field goal in the third quarter.
Prediction: France 16 - South Korea 7
GERMANY vs. 
SWEDEN
This one boils downs to a de facto European championship, pitting the two European countries to post wins in the IFAF World Cup against each other. Germany, home of most of the professional teams in now-defunct NFL Europa, showed its progress in American football by whalloping South Korea 32-2 in its opening game. The Germans allowed less than 100 total yards and only two first downs, dominating the contest from start to finish. The Germans then faced the United States, and although the final score (33-7) suggests a poor showing for Germany, the outcome was still in doubt heading into the fourth quarter. Most of the players on Germany's roster play professionally within German leagues.
Sweden struggled to defeat France in its opener, then were destroyed 48-0 by Japan.
This won't be close.
Prediction: Germany 27 - Sweden 6
UNITED STATES vs. JAPAN
This is the game the world has been waiting for -- the dominant force in IFAF history versus the birthplace of the sport. The USA is fielding a much weaker squad than it could, considering that (1) no professionals from any US or Canadian league were eligible, (2) no current college players were eligible, (3) no one who left college more than 1 year ago was eligible, and (4) all levels of NCAA athletics were required to be represented, not just Division I-A. Nevertheless, the United States squad has been much bigger, stronger, and more skilled than the two teams it has played thus far.
In contrast, the Japanese team, while young, represents the best the nation has to offer in way of American football players. The Japanese have destroyed their competition in pool play, posting a 96-0 scoring differential en route to the IFAF Championship game. They have the home crowd behind them, the history of never having been defeated in eight IFAF contests, and the title of two-time defending world champion. Clearly, the Japanese will take the United States seriously, but they will not fear America as South Korea and Germany likely did.
This game will come down to a few key factors:
(1) In football coaching is key. Even though the United States national team has only been playing together for a few weeks, each player on the roster has benefitted from at least four years of NCAA coaching. The strategy formation, experience, and understanding of football in America is unparalleled. The Japanese have been playing organized football for 70 years, but there is no way anyone could argue that they have closed the gap on America's supremacy in this regard.
ADVANTAGE: UNITED STATES
(2) Regardless of what the casual observer might think, the most important players on a football field are the linemen, both offensive and defensive. A great offensive line will make average quarterbacks and halfbacks look exceptional, while a weak one will make the superb backfield look ordinary. America's linemen are huge, well-coached and experienced. Japan's lines are easily the second best in this tournament, but America's are better.
ADVANTAGE: UNITED STATES
(3) Location can be huge in football. Ask any player who has ever been on the visiting side when facing NFL teams like the New York Giants or Oakland Raiders, or NCAA teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, or Florida Gators. A rabid home crowd can affect a football game. Japan has the home field, but their fans are polite and courteous. In most aspects, these adjectives would be ones of praise. However, in terms of intimidating the opposition, they are backhanded compliments. Furthermore, the largest crowd to date in this tournament (about 14,000) would rival only a top-flight high school crowd in America. The crowd won't be much of a factor, but it will be almost 100 percent pro-Japan.
ADVANTAGE: JAPAN
(4) Desire can overcome skill. The Japanese are a people of tremendous pride. They want to show America that they can play America's game. The first two contests, both 48-0 results, were examples of that Japanese pride, but Japan's national team will play its hardest on Sunday against the Americans they have been waiting to face for over a decade. The United States team, made up of recent college graduates, are honored to represent their country. They will also play with intensity, as they know that defeat in football would be a disgrace to themselves and their homeland.
ADVANTAGE: JAPAN
The Japanese fans who follow American football have been awaiting this matchup for some time. They won't be disappointed by the level of play on the field, as this game promises to be the most spirited and entertaining of the tournament. They will, however, be disappointed by the outcome.
Spirit and pride are wonderful things to have in competition, but they can only do so much. America will show up with strong will themselves, and armed with superior athletes in the trenches as well as the skill positions, and a veteran coaching staff, they will not be denied the crown of their own sport.
Prediction: United States 24 - Japan 10
If you disagree with any of the predictions posted above, or have any points to add to the commentary, feel free to post a comment. I'd especially like to hear from some of the fans outside the United States.
| 5th-place game: | | South Korea (0-2) | vs. | | France (0-2) |
| Bronze medal game: | | Germany (1-1) | vs. | | Sweden (1-1) |
| Championship game: | | United States (2-0) | vs. | | Japan (2-0) |
Obviously, the most anticipated of these games is the showdown between the United States -- the mother country of the sport -- and two-time defending world champions Japan. So naturally, I'll touch on that one last.
SOUTH KOREA vs. FRANCEThe good news is that one of these two countries will walk away from the IFAF World Cup on a winning note. South Korea has been massacred thus far in the tournament, tallying just two first downs total, both against Germany. In that stretch, the Koreans have been outscored 109-2, the second worst differential in tournament history (Finland was outscored 117-7 in 1999). But to be fair, Germany and the United States are both strong football teams.
Meanwhile, France also were the recipients of an epic beatdown, namely a 48-0 slaughter at the hands of host Japan in the tournament opener. However, the French nearly rebounded against Sweden, but fell 16-14 thanks to a Swedish field goal in the third quarter.
Prediction: France 16 - South Korea 7
GERMANY vs. SWEDENThis one boils downs to a de facto European championship, pitting the two European countries to post wins in the IFAF World Cup against each other. Germany, home of most of the professional teams in now-defunct NFL Europa, showed its progress in American football by whalloping South Korea 32-2 in its opening game. The Germans allowed less than 100 total yards and only two first downs, dominating the contest from start to finish. The Germans then faced the United States, and although the final score (33-7) suggests a poor showing for Germany, the outcome was still in doubt heading into the fourth quarter. Most of the players on Germany's roster play professionally within German leagues.
Sweden struggled to defeat France in its opener, then were destroyed 48-0 by Japan.
This won't be close.
Prediction: Germany 27 - Sweden 6
UNITED STATES vs. JAPANThis is the game the world has been waiting for -- the dominant force in IFAF history versus the birthplace of the sport. The USA is fielding a much weaker squad than it could, considering that (1) no professionals from any US or Canadian league were eligible, (2) no current college players were eligible, (3) no one who left college more than 1 year ago was eligible, and (4) all levels of NCAA athletics were required to be represented, not just Division I-A. Nevertheless, the United States squad has been much bigger, stronger, and more skilled than the two teams it has played thus far.
In contrast, the Japanese team, while young, represents the best the nation has to offer in way of American football players. The Japanese have destroyed their competition in pool play, posting a 96-0 scoring differential en route to the IFAF Championship game. They have the home crowd behind them, the history of never having been defeated in eight IFAF contests, and the title of two-time defending world champion. Clearly, the Japanese will take the United States seriously, but they will not fear America as South Korea and Germany likely did.
This game will come down to a few key factors:
(1) In football coaching is key. Even though the United States national team has only been playing together for a few weeks, each player on the roster has benefitted from at least four years of NCAA coaching. The strategy formation, experience, and understanding of football in America is unparalleled. The Japanese have been playing organized football for 70 years, but there is no way anyone could argue that they have closed the gap on America's supremacy in this regard.
ADVANTAGE:
UNITED STATES(2) Regardless of what the casual observer might think, the most important players on a football field are the linemen, both offensive and defensive. A great offensive line will make average quarterbacks and halfbacks look exceptional, while a weak one will make the superb backfield look ordinary. America's linemen are huge, well-coached and experienced. Japan's lines are easily the second best in this tournament, but America's are better.
ADVANTAGE:
UNITED STATES(3) Location can be huge in football. Ask any player who has ever been on the visiting side when facing NFL teams like the New York Giants or Oakland Raiders, or NCAA teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, or Florida Gators. A rabid home crowd can affect a football game. Japan has the home field, but their fans are polite and courteous. In most aspects, these adjectives would be ones of praise. However, in terms of intimidating the opposition, they are backhanded compliments. Furthermore, the largest crowd to date in this tournament (about 14,000) would rival only a top-flight high school crowd in America. The crowd won't be much of a factor, but it will be almost 100 percent pro-Japan.
ADVANTAGE:
JAPAN(4) Desire can overcome skill. The Japanese are a people of tremendous pride. They want to show America that they can play America's game. The first two contests, both 48-0 results, were examples of that Japanese pride, but Japan's national team will play its hardest on Sunday against the Americans they have been waiting to face for over a decade. The United States team, made up of recent college graduates, are honored to represent their country. They will also play with intensity, as they know that defeat in football would be a disgrace to themselves and their homeland.
ADVANTAGE:
JAPANThe Japanese fans who follow American football have been awaiting this matchup for some time. They won't be disappointed by the level of play on the field, as this game promises to be the most spirited and entertaining of the tournament. They will, however, be disappointed by the outcome.
Spirit and pride are wonderful things to have in competition, but they can only do so much. America will show up with strong will themselves, and armed with superior athletes in the trenches as well as the skill positions, and a veteran coaching staff, they will not be denied the crown of their own sport.
Prediction: United States 24 - Japan 10
If you disagree with any of the predictions posted above, or have any points to add to the commentary, feel free to post a comment. I'd especially like to hear from some of the fans outside the United States.
Japanese Symmetry
Japan has defeated both of its opponents (France, Sweden) by an identical 48-0 margin. Japan is the only remaining team in the tournament that has yet to surrender a point.
Game Stats
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Japan | 21 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 48 |
Game Stats
USA Rumbles Through Germany
By Todd Bell, USA Football
KAWASAKI, JAPAN – Rob Rodriguez blocked two punts and Diezeas Calbert returned an interception 58 yards for a score to lead the United States to a 33-7 win over Germany on the final day of pool play in the 2007 World Championship of American Football.
The United States will meet the winner of tonight’s Japan-Sweden game in the championship game on Sunday afternoon in Kawasaki.
Team USA got off to another fast start as it forced Germany into a three-and-out on its first possession of the game. A short Germany punt set the U.S. up at mid-field and four plays later Cody Childs found the end zone to give the U.S. a 7-0 lead with 9:20 to in the first quarter.
Childs now has three touchdowns in two games and is among the tournament scoring leaders with 18 points.
"It’s nice to be able to contribute and help the team," Childs said. "We’ve got three other amazing runningbacks so it could be any one of us scoring it just happens to be that I’m in there at the right time. The scheme that we use works real well with all of our running styles."
After a short Germany drive on the ensuing possession Bobby Awrey set the U.S. up with great field position with a 37-yard punt return down to the Germany 40 yard line. Quarterback Adam Austin hit Marcus Lewis on a slip screen for a 37-yard gain to the Germany 3-yard line Wendell Johnson scored on the next play to extend the lead to 14-0 with 5:12 to go in the opening quarter.
The U.S. extended it’s lead to 16-0 when Germany’s punter Steffen Doelger mishandled a snap in the end zone and was tackled for a safety by Rodriguez and Calbert. But Germany’s defense stiffened and the score remained 16-0 until late in the second quarter when, following Rodriguez’s first punt block of the day, defensive back Mathias Weil intercepted a Jeff Ballard pass and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 16-7 at halftime.
After stopping Team USA on its first two drives of the second half the momentum seemed to swing Germany’s way until Rodriguez swooped in and blocked his second punt of the day. The block led to a 21-yard Craig Coffin field goal to extend the lead to 19-7 late in the third quarter.
"From looking at film we saw that we could get it off the edge," Rodriguez said. "Diezeas (Calbert) told me he was going to try and distract the upback and that gave me a clean shot. We left the door open for Germany and we needed somebody to step up and make play and I was able to do that."
Germany reached mid-field on its next drive but Josh Kubiak stepped in front of a Joachim Ullrich pass and returned it out to the U.S. 43 yard line early in the fourth quarter. Austin then led Team USA on a six-play, 57-yard drive that was capped by a 1-yard Doug Blakowski touchdown run to extend the lead to 26-7 with 7:40 to go in the game.
Any hope of a Germany comeback was ended on the next possession when Diezeas Calbert picked off another errant Ullrich throw and sprinted 58 yards for the game’s final touchdown.
Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic praised the work of his defense and special teams after the game.
"Once again our special team bailed us out and put us in a position to win the game," Mackovic said. "Germany did a very good job in the first half of playing their game and we contributed to our setbacks by throwing three interceptions."
Sunday’s championship game will kick off at 3 p.m. Japan Time, 2 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
GAME CAPTAINS: Defensive back Jason Hoffschneider of North Dakota and offensive lineman Alex Atkins of Tennessee-Martin served as game captains for today’s game. Hoffschneider is playing this summer for the Hamburg Blue Devils in the German Football League and will be returning to Germany following the tournament.
RECORD BOOK: Southern Illinois placekicker Craig Coffin has already set a new tournament PAT record with one game yet to play. Coffin has converted on all 15 extra points so far to surpass the previous record of 12 set in 1999.
Game Stats
KAWASAKI, JAPAN – Rob Rodriguez blocked two punts and Diezeas Calbert returned an interception 58 yards for a score to lead the United States to a 33-7 win over Germany on the final day of pool play in the 2007 World Championship of American Football.
The United States will meet the winner of tonight’s Japan-Sweden game in the championship game on Sunday afternoon in Kawasaki.
Team USA got off to another fast start as it forced Germany into a three-and-out on its first possession of the game. A short Germany punt set the U.S. up at mid-field and four plays later Cody Childs found the end zone to give the U.S. a 7-0 lead with 9:20 to in the first quarter.Childs now has three touchdowns in two games and is among the tournament scoring leaders with 18 points.
"It’s nice to be able to contribute and help the team," Childs said. "We’ve got three other amazing runningbacks so it could be any one of us scoring it just happens to be that I’m in there at the right time. The scheme that we use works real well with all of our running styles."
After a short Germany drive on the ensuing possession Bobby Awrey set the U.S. up with great field position with a 37-yard punt return down to the Germany 40 yard line. Quarterback Adam Austin hit Marcus Lewis on a slip screen for a 37-yard gain to the Germany 3-yard line Wendell Johnson scored on the next play to extend the lead to 14-0 with 5:12 to go in the opening quarter.
The U.S. extended it’s lead to 16-0 when Germany’s punter Steffen Doelger mishandled a snap in the end zone and was tackled for a safety by Rodriguez and Calbert. But Germany’s defense stiffened and the score remained 16-0 until late in the second quarter when, following Rodriguez’s first punt block of the day, defensive back Mathias Weil intercepted a Jeff Ballard pass and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 16-7 at halftime.
After stopping Team USA on its first two drives of the second half the momentum seemed to swing Germany’s way until Rodriguez swooped in and blocked his second punt of the day. The block led to a 21-yard Craig Coffin field goal to extend the lead to 19-7 late in the third quarter.
"From looking at film we saw that we could get it off the edge," Rodriguez said. "Diezeas (Calbert) told me he was going to try and distract the upback and that gave me a clean shot. We left the door open for Germany and we needed somebody to step up and make play and I was able to do that."
Germany reached mid-field on its next drive but Josh Kubiak stepped in front of a Joachim Ullrich pass and returned it out to the U.S. 43 yard line early in the fourth quarter. Austin then led Team USA on a six-play, 57-yard drive that was capped by a 1-yard Doug Blakowski touchdown run to extend the lead to 26-7 with 7:40 to go in the game.
Any hope of a Germany comeback was ended on the next possession when Diezeas Calbert picked off another errant Ullrich throw and sprinted 58 yards for the game’s final touchdown.
Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic praised the work of his defense and special teams after the game.
"Once again our special team bailed us out and put us in a position to win the game," Mackovic said. "Germany did a very good job in the first half of playing their game and we contributed to our setbacks by throwing three interceptions."
Sunday’s championship game will kick off at 3 p.m. Japan Time, 2 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
GAME CAPTAINS: Defensive back Jason Hoffschneider of North Dakota and offensive lineman Alex Atkins of Tennessee-Martin served as game captains for today’s game. Hoffschneider is playing this summer for the Hamburg Blue Devils in the German Football League and will be returning to Germany following the tournament.
RECORD BOOK: Southern Illinois placekicker Craig Coffin has already set a new tournament PAT record with one game yet to play. Coffin has converted on all 15 extra points so far to surpass the previous record of 12 set in 1999.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 16 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 33 |
| Germany | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Game Stats
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
USA Pummels South Korea
KAWASAKI, JAPAN -- They don't call it "American football" for nothing. Comprised of recent college graduates with no current NFL prospects, the United States' first national football team took the field in Japan against South Korea. The Koreans were in contention right up until the opening kickoff, which Bobby Awrey (WR, Saginaw Valley State) returned for a touchdown. The score would be the first of four special teams touchdowns. America also scored twice on defense and five times on offense, amassing 77 points against an overpowered Korean squad.As impressive as the scoring was, this story was really about the American defense. Team USA allowed no first downs, and in a stat that can only be described as "sick," they held the Korean offense to -31 yards of total offense.
The Japanese are joking if they really think they are the favorites in this competition.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 28 | 14 | 28 | 7 | 77 |
| S. Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Game Stats
In other results, Sweden held on to defeat France, 16-14. France will face South Korea in the 5th-place game.
Game Stats
Monday, July 9, 2007
USA to Face South Korea
By Todd Bell, USA Football
KAWASAKI, JAPAN — After two weeks of stateside training camp and three workouts in Tokyo, USA Football’s senior national team will make its debut at the 2007 World Championship of American Football on Tuesday night when it takes the field against Korea in Kawasaki, Japan.
This year’s tournament, the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), will be the first to feature the country that invented the sport. Host Japan won the previous two championships in 1999 and 2003.
The U.S. will face a Korea team that is also making its first appearance in the World Championship. Team Korea fell to Germany, 32-2, in its first game on Sunday. The undersized Korean squad was overwhelmed by a German team that controlled the line of scrimmage from the first play of the game.
Offensively, quarterback Adam Austin of Arizona was selected by his teammates as one of Team USA’s two captains for the tournament. Austin is excited to finally be on the field after three weeks of practice.
“We really want to help spread football around the world and this is way to get it started. It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this team.”
Defensively, Northwestern linebacker Demetrius Eaton captains a unit that will have a significant size and speed advantage over Korea.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this first game,” Eaton said. “I’m ready to get on the field and see what we can do as a team.”
Tuesday’s game will kick off at 7:10 p.m. Japan time, 6:10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the United States.
KOREA REVIEW: Team Korea opened the 2007 World Championship of American Football with a 32-2 loss to Germany on Sunday evening. Korea was limited to just 25 total yards on 28 offensive plays against Germany while its defense surrendered 379 yards on 57 snaps to Germany and only forced one punt on the evening, which resulted in Korea’s only points when the ball was snapped over the punter’s head.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Korea defeated Australia, 22-13, in the Asia/Oceania qualifier earlier this year in Sydney. The victory was the first for Korea in national team competition.
KOREA PLAYERS TO WATCH: Quarterback Kim Kyoung Min played collegiately in Japan at Kyoto University, traditionally one of Japan’s top collegiate programs. He now plays professionally for the Tokyo Bullseyes in Japan’s X-League. Min completed four of nine passes for 41 yards against Germany. Min ran for one touchdown and threw for another in Korea’s qualifier victory over Australia in January. Linebackers In Su Jung and Tae Bum Kim both recorded a team-high eight tackles against Germany.
USA GAME CAPTAINS: In addition to Austin and Eaton, the Team USA coaching staff will select two game captains for each USA contest. Harvard linebacker Ryan Tully and Gardner-Webb center Kris King earned that honor for the Korea game.
OTHER TOURNAMENT ACTION: Japan defeated France, 48-0, in the opening game of the 2007 World Championship of American Football on Saturday evening. France meets Sweden on Tuesday afternoon in its final pool play game. A Sweden victory would relegate France to the 5th place game on July 14. Tuesday’s game will be the first for Sweden in the tournament. They will face Japan on July 12.
INTERNATIONAL RULES: All World Championship games are played under 2006 NCAA rules with two exceptions. Quarters will be 12 minutes in length and there will be no use of instant replay.
KAWASAKI, JAPAN — After two weeks of stateside training camp and three workouts in Tokyo, USA Football’s senior national team will make its debut at the 2007 World Championship of American Football on Tuesday night when it takes the field against Korea in Kawasaki, Japan.
This year’s tournament, the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), will be the first to feature the country that invented the sport. Host Japan won the previous two championships in 1999 and 2003.
The U.S. will face a Korea team that is also making its first appearance in the World Championship. Team Korea fell to Germany, 32-2, in its first game on Sunday. The undersized Korean squad was overwhelmed by a German team that controlled the line of scrimmage from the first play of the game.
Offensively, quarterback Adam Austin of Arizona was selected by his teammates as one of Team USA’s two captains for the tournament. Austin is excited to finally be on the field after three weeks of practice.
“We really want to help spread football around the world and this is way to get it started. It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this team.”
Defensively, Northwestern linebacker Demetrius Eaton captains a unit that will have a significant size and speed advantage over Korea.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this first game,” Eaton said. “I’m ready to get on the field and see what we can do as a team.”
Tuesday’s game will kick off at 7:10 p.m. Japan time, 6:10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the United States.
KOREA REVIEW: Team Korea opened the 2007 World Championship of American Football with a 32-2 loss to Germany on Sunday evening. Korea was limited to just 25 total yards on 28 offensive plays against Germany while its defense surrendered 379 yards on 57 snaps to Germany and only forced one punt on the evening, which resulted in Korea’s only points when the ball was snapped over the punter’s head.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Korea defeated Australia, 22-13, in the Asia/Oceania qualifier earlier this year in Sydney. The victory was the first for Korea in national team competition.
KOREA PLAYERS TO WATCH: Quarterback Kim Kyoung Min played collegiately in Japan at Kyoto University, traditionally one of Japan’s top collegiate programs. He now plays professionally for the Tokyo Bullseyes in Japan’s X-League. Min completed four of nine passes for 41 yards against Germany. Min ran for one touchdown and threw for another in Korea’s qualifier victory over Australia in January. Linebackers In Su Jung and Tae Bum Kim both recorded a team-high eight tackles against Germany.
USA GAME CAPTAINS: In addition to Austin and Eaton, the Team USA coaching staff will select two game captains for each USA contest. Harvard linebacker Ryan Tully and Gardner-Webb center Kris King earned that honor for the Korea game.
OTHER TOURNAMENT ACTION: Japan defeated France, 48-0, in the opening game of the 2007 World Championship of American Football on Saturday evening. France meets Sweden on Tuesday afternoon in its final pool play game. A Sweden victory would relegate France to the 5th place game on July 14. Tuesday’s game will be the first for Sweden in the tournament. They will face Japan on July 12.
INTERNATIONAL RULES: All World Championship games are played under 2006 NCAA rules with two exceptions. Quarters will be 12 minutes in length and there will be no use of instant replay.
Football Countries Dominate Early
Two-time defending world champion Japan and 2003 bronze medal-winning Germany posted decisive victories in the opening games of the 2007 IFAF World Cup. The Japanese jumped out early against France, never looking back in a 48-0 rout in the tournament's opening game. Likewise, Germany dispatched of South Korea with ease, cruising to a 32-2 victory. France will try to rebound tomorrow against favored Sweden, while the United States will make its much anticipated debut against South Korea later in the day.Game Stats: France vs. Japan, Germany vs. South Korea
Monday, July 2, 2007
U.S. National Team Also Confident
Grads in pads: First U.S. national football team prepares for trip to Japan
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The red and blue football jerseys never have absorbed a grass stain, and the "USA" on the chest is a pristine white.
The 45 players in uniform steal excited glances at each other in empty Spartan Stadium on a postcard-perfect California afternoon, still soaking in this surprising turn to life after college.
"It feels good wearing the red, white and blue," said tight end Brian Thompson, who had figured his football glory days had ended at Michigan last fall.
Just days before heading to Japan, the first U.S. national football team finally is getting used to the notion of its existence. These graduating seniors from every corner of the nation met a few weeks ago, and now they're almost ready to play in the third World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki.
Who knew such an event existed, or that American football was a thriving sport outside its birthplace? Not most of these players, who focused their lives on the sport until their eligibility ran out last fall.
"I hadn't really given a second thought to football (outside the U.S.)," former Princeton linebacker Brig Walker said. "After knowing about this tournament, it's made me take an interest in what's going on. We're just grateful we got this opportunity."
Under the direction of veteran coach John Mackovic, they'll leave for Japan -- auspiciously on the Fourth of July -- to participate in the six-team tournament. Most of them don't believe Germany, Korea, France, Sweden and the two-time world champion hosts will stand a chance -- not when this is the last chance most of these Americans will get to wear pads.
"We were getting ready to hang up the cleats, and then we heard about this opportunity to keep playing and to get a chance to play for your country, so I went for it," said Thompson, who joined the team along with Wolverines defensive lineman Jeremy Van Alstyne.
The players hail from all levels of college ball, from major programs to Division III Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, the alma mater of quarterback Rocky Pentello. Even serious college football fans probably wouldn't recognize any names on the roster.
But while their better-known former teammates get ready for NFL training camps or explore options in Canada and the Arena league, these grads decided to spend their first summer after college doing a little world traveling -- and making a bunch of new friends.
"It's been a whole lot of fun just meeting guys from so many different kinds of teams and programs," said linebacker Ryan Tully, Harvard's captain last season. "Everybody is used to doing things their way, and now we've got to come together and learn this new system, but everybody seems to be picking it up.
"No rivalries carry over. We're all on the same team now. Once everyone is wearing the same color jersey, everybody gets along."
USA Football, the 4-year-old governing organization, solicited player recommendations from hundreds of college coaches before picking a team on film and advice. They scrambled to round up passports for everybody, even calling a couple of senators to speed up the process.
The players assembled at San Jose State in late June for a training camp, where Mackovic and his five-man staff threw a surprising amount of strategy at the players.
"It feels like freshman year of college," said Walker, who plans to stick around Japan for 10 days afterward to climb Mount Fuji and explore his Japanese-American heritage. "At first, you're thinking it's hard, and we've got all these different schemes, but it's getting easier every day."
Mackovic, the former Illinois, Texas and Kansas City Chiefs coach, said USA Football has approached the event "the way that USA Basketball did it when they began."
"We played with nothing but the amateurs in the Olympics for a long time, and we did very well when the college guys played," Mackovic said. "It's probably a good parallel of where our game is. We hope that someday it'll be an Olympic game, but there have to be more federations around the world. We hope that someday we can look back and say we were a forerunner."
Mackovic was a well-known taskmaster, but he has kept a light tone while encouraging his players to enjoy this unique experience. At a recent team dinner, the offense battled the defense in competing renditions of "Over There," George M. Cohan's classic patriotic song about American troops heading overseas to fight in World War I.
Mackovic, who took over after former Virginia coach George Welsh dropped out, hadn't been on a sideline since leaving Arizona in 2003, but he learned about football's international appeal during previous coaching trips to Konan University in Kobe, Japan.
While the folding of NFL Europa last week was the latest blow to the pro league's decades-old attempts to market its product on foreign soil, the game has a solid following around the Pacific Rim from Australia to Japan. Club teams also thrive in central Europe, and 45 nations are members of the International Federation of American Football.
The international game is played with 12-minute quarters, and the teams play three times in six days during the world championships. While the American players are mildly cautious about predicting total domination in Japan, they clearly would be shocked to lose.
"I don't know what the competition is going to be like, but I've heard it's not up to par to what we're used to," said former Arizona quarterback Adam Austin, who hopes the event will be a springboard to other football opportunities. "It's still good competition, but, you know."
Defensive back Jason Hoffschneider has a better perspective on their task. He left North Dakota in April to join the Hamburg Blue Devils of the German Football League, where he's having "the best time of my life" playing alongside several members of the German national team.
"What's going to win the game is the O-line and D-line," Hoffschneider said. "We're so much bigger, so much faster, and we know football a lot better. That's where I think we're going to totally dominate."
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The red and blue football jerseys never have absorbed a grass stain, and the "USA" on the chest is a pristine white.
The 45 players in uniform steal excited glances at each other in empty Spartan Stadium on a postcard-perfect California afternoon, still soaking in this surprising turn to life after college.
"It feels good wearing the red, white and blue," said tight end Brian Thompson, who had figured his football glory days had ended at Michigan last fall.
Just days before heading to Japan, the first U.S. national football team finally is getting used to the notion of its existence. These graduating seniors from every corner of the nation met a few weeks ago, and now they're almost ready to play in the third World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki.
Who knew such an event existed, or that American football was a thriving sport outside its birthplace? Not most of these players, who focused their lives on the sport until their eligibility ran out last fall.
"I hadn't really given a second thought to football (outside the U.S.)," former Princeton linebacker Brig Walker said. "After knowing about this tournament, it's made me take an interest in what's going on. We're just grateful we got this opportunity."Under the direction of veteran coach John Mackovic, they'll leave for Japan -- auspiciously on the Fourth of July -- to participate in the six-team tournament. Most of them don't believe Germany, Korea, France, Sweden and the two-time world champion hosts will stand a chance -- not when this is the last chance most of these Americans will get to wear pads.
"We were getting ready to hang up the cleats, and then we heard about this opportunity to keep playing and to get a chance to play for your country, so I went for it," said Thompson, who joined the team along with Wolverines defensive lineman Jeremy Van Alstyne.
The players hail from all levels of college ball, from major programs to Division III Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, the alma mater of quarterback Rocky Pentello. Even serious college football fans probably wouldn't recognize any names on the roster.
But while their better-known former teammates get ready for NFL training camps or explore options in Canada and the Arena league, these grads decided to spend their first summer after college doing a little world traveling -- and making a bunch of new friends.
"It's been a whole lot of fun just meeting guys from so many different kinds of teams and programs," said linebacker Ryan Tully, Harvard's captain last season. "Everybody is used to doing things their way, and now we've got to come together and learn this new system, but everybody seems to be picking it up.
"No rivalries carry over. We're all on the same team now. Once everyone is wearing the same color jersey, everybody gets along."
USA Football, the 4-year-old governing organization, solicited player recommendations from hundreds of college coaches before picking a team on film and advice. They scrambled to round up passports for everybody, even calling a couple of senators to speed up the process.
The players assembled at San Jose State in late June for a training camp, where Mackovic and his five-man staff threw a surprising amount of strategy at the players.
"It feels like freshman year of college," said Walker, who plans to stick around Japan for 10 days afterward to climb Mount Fuji and explore his Japanese-American heritage. "At first, you're thinking it's hard, and we've got all these different schemes, but it's getting easier every day."
Mackovic, the former Illinois, Texas and Kansas City Chiefs coach, said USA Football has approached the event "the way that USA Basketball did it when they began."
"We played with nothing but the amateurs in the Olympics for a long time, and we did very well when the college guys played," Mackovic said. "It's probably a good parallel of where our game is. We hope that someday it'll be an Olympic game, but there have to be more federations around the world. We hope that someday we can look back and say we were a forerunner."
Mackovic was a well-known taskmaster, but he has kept a light tone while encouraging his players to enjoy this unique experience. At a recent team dinner, the offense battled the defense in competing renditions of "Over There," George M. Cohan's classic patriotic song about American troops heading overseas to fight in World War I.
Mackovic, who took over after former Virginia coach George Welsh dropped out, hadn't been on a sideline since leaving Arizona in 2003, but he learned about football's international appeal during previous coaching trips to Konan University in Kobe, Japan.
While the folding of NFL Europa last week was the latest blow to the pro league's decades-old attempts to market its product on foreign soil, the game has a solid following around the Pacific Rim from Australia to Japan. Club teams also thrive in central Europe, and 45 nations are members of the International Federation of American Football.
The international game is played with 12-minute quarters, and the teams play three times in six days during the world championships. While the American players are mildly cautious about predicting total domination in Japan, they clearly would be shocked to lose.
"I don't know what the competition is going to be like, but I've heard it's not up to par to what we're used to," said former Arizona quarterback Adam Austin, who hopes the event will be a springboard to other football opportunities. "It's still good competition, but, you know."
Defensive back Jason Hoffschneider has a better perspective on their task. He left North Dakota in April to join the Hamburg Blue Devils of the German Football League, where he's having "the best time of my life" playing alongside several members of the German national team.
"What's going to win the game is the O-line and D-line," Hoffschneider said. "We're so much bigger, so much faster, and we know football a lot better. That's where I think we're going to totally dominate."
Japanese Media Confident
Japan’s reign is threatened by the arrival of Team USA
By: Kaz Nagatsuka, Metropolis Magazine (Japan)
Can Japan pull off a back-to-back-to-back?
However you term it, Team Japan will be trying to continue its fantastic run at the 3rd International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship in Kawasaki, where it will seek its third consecutive title.
Coming into the July 7-15 competition (often dubbed the American Football World Cup), Japan, which won in Italy in 1999 and Germany in 2003, is once again the favorite to take home the title.
But despite the fact the team will be playing on home soil, it will be no walk in the park. “We didn’t necessarily win that easily in the past two championships,” says Japan coach Toshiaki Abe, “It’ll be tough this time as well.”
One clear obstacle is the presence of the United States, which will be making its first appearance in the six-nation tournament.
Even without top-level NFL players, Team USA is scary. The 45-man lineup includes college stars like quarterback Jeff Ballard of Texas Christian University, who was among the top prospects in April’s NFL draft.
Japan, meanwhile, has assembled its marquee athletes, mainly from the X League, the country’s top football league. Of the various positions, Abe is likely to have the most confidence about his quarterbacks.
Tetsuo Takata, of the Matsushita Electrics Impulse, is a strong-armed signal-caller who led his Ritsumeikan University Panthers to their second straight national college championship in the Koshien Bowl five years ago, also winning the Mills Trophy for the season’s most valuable college player.
Kentaro Namiki, of Asahi Beer Silver Star, is a swift, athletic quarterback originally from Waseda University who played for the Cologne Centurions in NFL Europe in 2004 and 2005.
Onward Skylarks veteran Yuichi Tomizawa, who guided Team Japan to their second title as starting quarterback three years ago, is noted for his passing ability and composure.
The format will be a round-robin first round, which consists of two groups. The winner of each group will meet in the championship.
Japan, which opens the tournament with a game against France on July 7 at Todoroki Stadium, is in Pool 1 with Sweden and France, while the United States is in Pool 2 with Germany and South Korea. All the games except the opening and final ones will be played at Kawasaki Stadium.
By: Kaz Nagatsuka, Metropolis Magazine (Japan)
Can Japan pull off a back-to-back-to-back?
However you term it, Team Japan will be trying to continue its fantastic run at the 3rd International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship in Kawasaki, where it will seek its third consecutive title.
Coming into the July 7-15 competition (often dubbed the American Football World Cup), Japan, which won in Italy in 1999 and Germany in 2003, is once again the favorite to take home the title.
But despite the fact the team will be playing on home soil, it will be no walk in the park. “We didn’t necessarily win that easily in the past two championships,” says Japan coach Toshiaki Abe, “It’ll be tough this time as well.”
One clear obstacle is the presence of the United States, which will be making its first appearance in the six-nation tournament.
Even without top-level NFL players, Team USA is scary. The 45-man lineup includes college stars like quarterback Jeff Ballard of Texas Christian University, who was among the top prospects in April’s NFL draft.
Japan, meanwhile, has assembled its marquee athletes, mainly from the X League, the country’s top football league. Of the various positions, Abe is likely to have the most confidence about his quarterbacks.
Tetsuo Takata, of the Matsushita Electrics Impulse, is a strong-armed signal-caller who led his Ritsumeikan University Panthers to their second straight national college championship in the Koshien Bowl five years ago, also winning the Mills Trophy for the season’s most valuable college player.
Kentaro Namiki, of Asahi Beer Silver Star, is a swift, athletic quarterback originally from Waseda University who played for the Cologne Centurions in NFL Europe in 2004 and 2005.
Onward Skylarks veteran Yuichi Tomizawa, who guided Team Japan to their second title as starting quarterback three years ago, is noted for his passing ability and composure.
The format will be a round-robin first round, which consists of two groups. The winner of each group will meet in the championship.
Japan, which opens the tournament with a game against France on July 7 at Todoroki Stadium, is in Pool 1 with Sweden and France, while the United States is in Pool 2 with Germany and South Korea. All the games except the opening and final ones will be played at Kawasaki Stadium.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Meet the Americans - Quarterback
Over the next few weeks, I'd like to introduce the country to its representatives in the IFAF World Cup. For the first installment, we'll look at the glamour position ... the quarterback.
Jeff Ballard, TCU (Division I-A)
Measurables: 6-feet 1 inch, 212 lbs.
Hometown: Friendsworth, Texas
Born: November 4, 1983
Stats: 329-for-539 (61%), 4,190 yards, 27 TD, 12 INT
Ballard took over the reins at Texas Christian in 2005, leading the Horned Frogs to a 51-50 overtime victory over conference rival Brigham Young. TCU would not lose under Ballard in 2005, as he led his school to nine straight victories, including a 27-24 win over Iowa State in the EV1.net Houston Bowl.
In 2006, Ballard extended his winning streak as a starter to 12 games before his Horned Frogs were bested by the Brigham Young Cougars, 31-17. In total, Ballard went 20-2 as a starter at TCU, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions.
Rocky Pentello, Capital (Division III)
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Born:
Stats: 64% completion rate, 12,569 yards, 36 TD
In 2006, Pentello led Division III football with 3,625 passing yards. As the four-year starter at Capital, Pentello compiled a 36-11 record and has thrown for 12,569 yards in his career, ranking him the 12th-highest in college football history.
Adam Austin, Arizona (Division I-A)
Measurables: 6 feet 3 inches, 217 lbs.
Hometown: Mundelein, Illinois
Born: November 20, 1983
Stats: 55-for-116 (47%), 549 yards, 2 TD, 6 INT
Austin split time in the desert in 2006, but in his six games of action, he only completed over 50 percent of his throws once, a 6-for-9 performance against hapless Stanford.
Jeff Ballard, TCU (Division I-A)
Measurables: 6-feet 1 inch, 212 lbs.
Hometown: Friendsworth, Texas
Born: November 4, 1983
Stats: 329-for-539 (61%), 4,190 yards, 27 TD, 12 INT
Ballard took over the reins at Texas Christian in 2005, leading the Horned Frogs to a 51-50 overtime victory over conference rival Brigham Young. TCU would not lose under Ballard in 2005, as he led his school to nine straight victories, including a 27-24 win over Iowa State in the EV1.net Houston Bowl.In 2006, Ballard extended his winning streak as a starter to 12 games before his Horned Frogs were bested by the Brigham Young Cougars, 31-17. In total, Ballard went 20-2 as a starter at TCU, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions.
Rocky Pentello, Capital (Division III)Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Born:
Stats: 64% completion rate, 12,569 yards, 36 TD
In 2006, Pentello led Division III football with 3,625 passing yards. As the four-year starter at Capital, Pentello compiled a 36-11 record and has thrown for 12,569 yards in his career, ranking him the 12th-highest in college football history.
Adam Austin, Arizona (Division I-A)
Measurables: 6 feet 3 inches, 217 lbs.
Hometown: Mundelein, Illinois
Born: November 20, 1983
Stats: 55-for-116 (47%), 549 yards, 2 TD, 6 INT
Austin split time in the desert in 2006, but in his six games of action, he only completed over 50 percent of his throws once, a 6-for-9 performance against hapless Stanford.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Team USA Announces 45-man Roster
VIENNA, VA. —USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Head Coach John Mackovic announced today the 45 players who will make up Team USA at the 2007 World Championship of American Football in July. It will mark the first time that the United States will play in this international event.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“All of our efforts over the last year have been directed towards this announcement,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Filling out our roster is another important milestone for USA Football. We now know the players who will represent our country and our game at the World Championship. All of us at USA Football are looking forward to seeing this team take the field for the first time.”
The 45 players selected were chosen from a pool of 2006 college seniors and represent all levels of college football. NCAA and NAIA schools were asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors during the season. That list was pared down by the Team USA coaching staff through film evaluation.
“This team is a complete cross section of U.S. football,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “We’re excited that we are able to blend every level of college football and put together a team of players from schools of every size. We hope to represent our country in the highest fashion and be great ambassadors for football around the world.”
2007 United States National Team
Wide Receiver: Greg Aker, Minnesota-Duluth; Bobby Awrey, Saginaw Valley State; Jon Drenckhahn, Williams; Austin Flynn, Iowa State; Steve Odom, Toledo
Tight End: D’Monn Baker, California (Pa.); Brian Thompson, Michigan
Offensive Line: Alex Atkins, Tennessee-Martin; Marcel Burrough, San Jose State; Rick Drushal, Wooster; Darrin Johnson, SMU; Kris King, Gardner-Webb; David Livengood, Indiana (Pa.); Chris Lundin, Adams State; Matt Padron; Texas State; Brad Poston, Coastal Carolina
Runningback: Doug Blakowski, Hobart; Cody Childs, Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Taylor Craig, Yale; Kyle Kasperbauer, Nebraska-Omaha; Wendell Johnson, Fairmont State
Quarterback: Adam Austin, Arizona; Jeff Ballard, TCU; Rocky Pentello, Capital
Defensive Line: Michael Cobbins, Missouri Western; Dustin Dlouhy, Montana; Ryan Kleppe, Wisconsin-Whitewater; Matt Ludeman, Western Michigan; Shawn Moorehead, Iowa State; Chris Thorner, Syracuse; Jeremy Van Alstyne, Michigan
Linebacker: Dan Adams, Holy Cross; Demetrius Eaton, Northwestern; Adam Paulson, Sioux Falls; Ryan Tully, Harvard; Brig Walker, Princeton
Secondary: Manauris Arias, Maine; Diezeas Calbert, Northwest Missouri State; Kenny Chicoine, Cal Poly; Jason Hoffschneider, North Dakota; Josh Kubiak, Mary Hardin-Baylor; Rob Rodriguez, Christopher Newport; Steve Teeples, Wisconsin-La Crosse; Cary Wade, Virginia Tech
Kicker: Craig Coffin, Southern Illinois
Team USA will train at San Jose State University from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan.
Team USA Breakdown
By Division
I-A- 13; FCS- 12; Division II- 10; Division III- 9; NAIA- 1
By Conference
Thirty-two NCAA and NAIA conferences are represented.
3- Big 10, Ivy League, North Central, Wisconsin Intercollegiate
2- Big South, Big 12, MAC, MIAA, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
1- American Southwest, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic 10, Big East, Big Sky, Conference USA, Gateway, Great Lakes Intercollegiate, Great Plains Athletic, Great West, Liberty League, Mountain West, NESCAC, North Coast, Ohio Athletic Conference, Ohio Valley, Pac-10, Patriot League, Rocky Mountain, Southland, USA South, WAC, West Virginia Intercollegiate
By Home State
Twenty-five states are represented
6- Wisconsin; 5- Texas; 4- Ohio; 3- Florida, Virginia, 2- Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska; 1- Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington
USAFootball.com
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“All of our efforts over the last year have been directed towards this announcement,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Filling out our roster is another important milestone for USA Football. We now know the players who will represent our country and our game at the World Championship. All of us at USA Football are looking forward to seeing this team take the field for the first time.”
The 45 players selected were chosen from a pool of 2006 college seniors and represent all levels of college football. NCAA and NAIA schools were asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors during the season. That list was pared down by the Team USA coaching staff through film evaluation.
“This team is a complete cross section of U.S. football,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “We’re excited that we are able to blend every level of college football and put together a team of players from schools of every size. We hope to represent our country in the highest fashion and be great ambassadors for football around the world.”
2007 United States National Team
Wide Receiver: Greg Aker, Minnesota-Duluth; Bobby Awrey, Saginaw Valley State; Jon Drenckhahn, Williams; Austin Flynn, Iowa State; Steve Odom, Toledo
Tight End: D’Monn Baker, California (Pa.); Brian Thompson, Michigan
Offensive Line: Alex Atkins, Tennessee-Martin; Marcel Burrough, San Jose State; Rick Drushal, Wooster; Darrin Johnson, SMU; Kris King, Gardner-Webb; David Livengood, Indiana (Pa.); Chris Lundin, Adams State; Matt Padron; Texas State; Brad Poston, Coastal Carolina
Runningback: Doug Blakowski, Hobart; Cody Childs, Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Taylor Craig, Yale; Kyle Kasperbauer, Nebraska-Omaha; Wendell Johnson, Fairmont State
Quarterback: Adam Austin, Arizona; Jeff Ballard, TCU; Rocky Pentello, Capital
Defensive Line: Michael Cobbins, Missouri Western; Dustin Dlouhy, Montana; Ryan Kleppe, Wisconsin-Whitewater; Matt Ludeman, Western Michigan; Shawn Moorehead, Iowa State; Chris Thorner, Syracuse; Jeremy Van Alstyne, Michigan
Linebacker: Dan Adams, Holy Cross; Demetrius Eaton, Northwestern; Adam Paulson, Sioux Falls; Ryan Tully, Harvard; Brig Walker, Princeton
Secondary: Manauris Arias, Maine; Diezeas Calbert, Northwest Missouri State; Kenny Chicoine, Cal Poly; Jason Hoffschneider, North Dakota; Josh Kubiak, Mary Hardin-Baylor; Rob Rodriguez, Christopher Newport; Steve Teeples, Wisconsin-La Crosse; Cary Wade, Virginia Tech
Kicker: Craig Coffin, Southern Illinois
Team USA will train at San Jose State University from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan.
Team USA Breakdown
By Division
I-A- 13; FCS- 12; Division II- 10; Division III- 9; NAIA- 1
By Conference
Thirty-two NCAA and NAIA conferences are represented.
3- Big 10, Ivy League, North Central, Wisconsin Intercollegiate
2- Big South, Big 12, MAC, MIAA, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
1- American Southwest, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic 10, Big East, Big Sky, Conference USA, Gateway, Great Lakes Intercollegiate, Great Plains Athletic, Great West, Liberty League, Mountain West, NESCAC, North Coast, Ohio Athletic Conference, Ohio Valley, Pac-10, Patriot League, Rocky Mountain, Southland, USA South, WAC, West Virginia Intercollegiate
By Home State
Twenty-five states are represented
6- Wisconsin; 5- Texas; 4- Ohio; 3- Florida, Virginia, 2- Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska; 1- Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington
USAFootball.com
Monday, May 21, 2007
Team USA Announces Assistant Coaching Staff
VIENNA, VA. —USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic announced today the selection of Bob Berezowitz, Richard Cundiff, George Darlington, Adam Dorrel and Torey Hunter as assistant coaches for the United States national team that will compete in the 2007 World Championship of American Football.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time.
“Coach Mackovic has assembled a very experienced and talented coaching staff,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “The combined football knowledge of these men is very impressive and we’re looking forward to watching them work with our National team.”
Mackovic and his staff are finalizing the 45 players who will make up the first U.S. national team ever assembled in the sport of football. College players who completed their eligibility in 2006 will make up the roster.
“Our coaching staff has a wonderful blend of quality experience with the youthful enthusiasm that any great team must have,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “We are fortunate to have coaches from several divisions of college football who have distinguished themselves in their careers. With such a short time to put our team together, it was necessary to select people who could make things happen in a hurry, and these coaches can do it.”
Bob Berezowitz was the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from 1985-2006. He led the Warhawks to a 158-73-5 (.680) record during his tenure at the school. Wisconsin-Whitewater reached the NCAA Division III championship game in 2005 and 2006 and posted a record of 28-2 during that stretch with two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. Berezowitz will coach the runningbacks and receivers for Team USA.
Richard Cundiff retired as the head coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville following the 2006 season. In seven seasons at Kingsville, Cundiff compiled a career record of 52-28 (.650) and led the Javelinas to four Lone Star Conference titles and four NCAA Division II playoffs appearances. A 14-year assistant at the school before assuming the head coaching role, Cundiff’s defenses were among the top in the country in NCAA Division II. Cundiff will coach the defensive line for Team USA.
George Darlington won three national titles as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska from 1973-2002. Darlington coached 30 future NFL players and seven All-Americans during his stay in Lincoln and was a part of a staff that coached the famed “Blackshirt” defense that keyed the Cornhuskers’ national title runs in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Following his tenure at Nebraska, Darlington spent three seasons at Marshall University (2003-2005) and one season at Louisiana Tech University (2006). Darlington will serve as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach for Team USA.
Adam Dorrel is in his second season as the offensive line coach at Northwest Missouri State University. A 1998 graduate of the school, Dorrel was a three-year captain for the Bearcats as a player. From 2001-2003 Dorrel was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at William Jewell College, coaching an offensive unit that finished in the top 10 nationally in rushing in the NAIA in 2002 and 2003. Dorrel will coach the offensive line for Team USA.
Torey Hunter spent the last three seasons at Idaho State coaching the Bengals’ secondary. Hunter coached two All-Big Sky defensive backs in 2004 and 2005 and his 2004 squad recorded 33 pass break-ups, 11 interceptions and three forced fumbles. Hunter played college football at Washington State University and professionally with the Houston Oilers, Amsterdam Admirals, Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Eskimos before embarking on his coaching career. Hunter will coach the linebackers for Team USA.
USA Football’s 45-man national team will be made up of college football players who completed their eligibility at the end of the 2006 season. All levels of the NCAA and the NAIA will be represented on the roster. The players were selected, in part, based on nominations from college head coaches around the country.
USA Football will announce its 45-man roster on May 23.
USAFootball.com
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time.
“Coach Mackovic has assembled a very experienced and talented coaching staff,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “The combined football knowledge of these men is very impressive and we’re looking forward to watching them work with our National team.”
Mackovic and his staff are finalizing the 45 players who will make up the first U.S. national team ever assembled in the sport of football. College players who completed their eligibility in 2006 will make up the roster.
“Our coaching staff has a wonderful blend of quality experience with the youthful enthusiasm that any great team must have,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “We are fortunate to have coaches from several divisions of college football who have distinguished themselves in their careers. With such a short time to put our team together, it was necessary to select people who could make things happen in a hurry, and these coaches can do it.”
Bob Berezowitz was the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from 1985-2006. He led the Warhawks to a 158-73-5 (.680) record during his tenure at the school. Wisconsin-Whitewater reached the NCAA Division III championship game in 2005 and 2006 and posted a record of 28-2 during that stretch with two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. Berezowitz will coach the runningbacks and receivers for Team USA.
Richard Cundiff retired as the head coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville following the 2006 season. In seven seasons at Kingsville, Cundiff compiled a career record of 52-28 (.650) and led the Javelinas to four Lone Star Conference titles and four NCAA Division II playoffs appearances. A 14-year assistant at the school before assuming the head coaching role, Cundiff’s defenses were among the top in the country in NCAA Division II. Cundiff will coach the defensive line for Team USA.
George Darlington won three national titles as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska from 1973-2002. Darlington coached 30 future NFL players and seven All-Americans during his stay in Lincoln and was a part of a staff that coached the famed “Blackshirt” defense that keyed the Cornhuskers’ national title runs in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Following his tenure at Nebraska, Darlington spent three seasons at Marshall University (2003-2005) and one season at Louisiana Tech University (2006). Darlington will serve as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach for Team USA.
Adam Dorrel is in his second season as the offensive line coach at Northwest Missouri State University. A 1998 graduate of the school, Dorrel was a three-year captain for the Bearcats as a player. From 2001-2003 Dorrel was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at William Jewell College, coaching an offensive unit that finished in the top 10 nationally in rushing in the NAIA in 2002 and 2003. Dorrel will coach the offensive line for Team USA.
Torey Hunter spent the last three seasons at Idaho State coaching the Bengals’ secondary. Hunter coached two All-Big Sky defensive backs in 2004 and 2005 and his 2004 squad recorded 33 pass break-ups, 11 interceptions and three forced fumbles. Hunter played college football at Washington State University and professionally with the Houston Oilers, Amsterdam Admirals, Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Eskimos before embarking on his coaching career. Hunter will coach the linebackers for Team USA.
USA Football’s 45-man national team will be made up of college football players who completed their eligibility at the end of the 2006 season. All levels of the NCAA and the NAIA will be represented on the roster. The players were selected, in part, based on nominations from college head coaches around the country.
USA Football will announce its 45-man roster on May 23.
USAFootball.com
Saturday, May 19, 2007
USA Football Names Support Staff
VIENNA, VA. — USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic announced today the selection of Todd Bell, Taylor Hanohano and Yosuke Murashima as support staff for the United States national team that will compete in the 2007 World Championship of American Football.
Bell will serve as the team’s director of operations and press officer. Hanohano has been named equipment manager and Murashima will be Team USA’s trainer.
Team USA will train at San Jose State from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan for the World Championship.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
Bell is in his 13th year with the American Football Coaches Association and has served as the organization’s director of media relations since 1997. Along with coordinating all aspects of media relations for the 10,000+ member organization, Bell served as the selection committee coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 Hula Bowl and has been the operations director for the AFCA’s Division III all-star team at the Aztec Bowl for the last 10 years. Bell is a 1988 graduate of the University of St. Thomas (Minn.)
Hanohano is in his third year as the director of equipment services at San Jose State University. Prior to his stint at San Jose, Hanohano spent three seasons as an assistant equipment manager with the San Francisco 49ers, three seasons as an intern with the Arizona Cardinals and three seasons as an assistant equipment manager at UCLA. He earned his equipment manager's certification (E.M.,C.) from the Athletic Equipment Managers Association in 2001. Hanohano is a 1999 graduate of the University of Northern Arizona.
Murashima is in his second year as an assistant trainer at San Jose State University. Murashima works primarily with the school’s football program as well as its women’s basketball team. Murashima earned his trainer’s certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association in 2005 and his strength and conditioning certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2005. Murashima is a 2004 graduate of Fresno State University.
USA Football’s 45-man national team will be made up of college football players who completed their eligibility at the end of the 2006 season. All levels of the NCAA and the NAIA will be represented on the roster. The players were selected, in part, based on nominations from college head coaches around the country.
USA Football will announce the Team USA assistant coaches on May 21. The 45-man roster will be announced on May 23.
USAFootball.com
Bell will serve as the team’s director of operations and press officer. Hanohano has been named equipment manager and Murashima will be Team USA’s trainer.
Team USA will train at San Jose State from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan for the World Championship.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
Bell is in his 13th year with the American Football Coaches Association and has served as the organization’s director of media relations since 1997. Along with coordinating all aspects of media relations for the 10,000+ member organization, Bell served as the selection committee coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 Hula Bowl and has been the operations director for the AFCA’s Division III all-star team at the Aztec Bowl for the last 10 years. Bell is a 1988 graduate of the University of St. Thomas (Minn.)
Hanohano is in his third year as the director of equipment services at San Jose State University. Prior to his stint at San Jose, Hanohano spent three seasons as an assistant equipment manager with the San Francisco 49ers, three seasons as an intern with the Arizona Cardinals and three seasons as an assistant equipment manager at UCLA. He earned his equipment manager's certification (E.M.,C.) from the Athletic Equipment Managers Association in 2001. Hanohano is a 1999 graduate of the University of Northern Arizona.
Murashima is in his second year as an assistant trainer at San Jose State University. Murashima works primarily with the school’s football program as well as its women’s basketball team. Murashima earned his trainer’s certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association in 2005 and his strength and conditioning certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2005. Murashima is a 2004 graduate of Fresno State University.
USA Football’s 45-man national team will be made up of college football players who completed their eligibility at the end of the 2006 season. All levels of the NCAA and the NAIA will be represented on the roster. The players were selected, in part, based on nominations from college head coaches around the country.
USA Football will announce the Team USA assistant coaches on May 21. The 45-man roster will be announced on May 23.
USAFootball.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
USA Football Announces Training Camp Site
VIENNA, VA. - USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic announced today that San Jose State University has been selected to host Team USA’s training camp prior to the 2007 World Championship of American Football.
Team USA will train at San Jose State from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan for the World Championship.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“USA Football greatly appreciates the generosity and support extended to us by San Jose State University, Athletic Director Tom Bowen and Head Coach Dick Tomey,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Having first-rate facilities made available to us will help tremendously as we prepare for this year’s World Championship.”
Team USA’s coaching staff will arrive in San Jose on June 19. Players will arrive the following day with the first practice scheduled for Thursday, June 21.
“I am quite pleased that San Jose State could accommodate our needs for training camp,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “Their staff has handled our requests with a ‘can do’ attitude. I know they are going to provide a first class experience for our team.”
The 14-day camp will be the only domestic preparation time the team will have prior to departing for Japan. Team USA will arrive in Tokyo on July 5 but will not play its first game of the tournament until July 10, when it meets Korea in the opening game of pool play. The United States will then face Germany on July 12. The championship game is scheduled for July 15.
USAFootball.com
Team USA will train at San Jose State from June 20-July 4 prior to leaving for Japan for the World Championship.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“USA Football greatly appreciates the generosity and support extended to us by San Jose State University, Athletic Director Tom Bowen and Head Coach Dick Tomey,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Having first-rate facilities made available to us will help tremendously as we prepare for this year’s World Championship.”
Team USA’s coaching staff will arrive in San Jose on June 19. Players will arrive the following day with the first practice scheduled for Thursday, June 21.
“I am quite pleased that San Jose State could accommodate our needs for training camp,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “Their staff has handled our requests with a ‘can do’ attitude. I know they are going to provide a first class experience for our team.”
The 14-day camp will be the only domestic preparation time the team will have prior to departing for Japan. Team USA will arrive in Tokyo on July 5 but will not play its first game of the tournament until July 10, when it meets Korea in the opening game of pool play. The United States will then face Germany on July 12. The championship game is scheduled for July 15.
USAFootball.com
Sunday, May 13, 2007
USA Football Press Release
VIENNA, VA. — The United States will be seeking to capture its first world championship in the sport it invented more than 135 years ago when USA Football’s senior national team competes in the 3rd World Championship of American Football later this summer.
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“We’ve been building towards the opening of our training camp for more than a year now,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “With only five weeks to go until our camp begins the excitement level is high for all of us at USA Football and especially our coaching staff and players. We’re looking forward to seeing the first U.S. national team take the field in Japan on July 10.”
Former NFL and college head coach John Mackovic will lead Team USA into this year’s tournament. Mackovic and his staff will coach a team of 45 players who completed their college eligibility in 2006. The roster will be a true cross-section of college football, with all levels of the NCAA and the NAIA represented by at least one player.
"There is a growing enthusiasm among those committed to coach and play for the USA's first ever senior national team,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “I look forward to the competition and the opportunity to make new friends through our play. American football's popularity around the world should be enhanced by our participation in this World Cup. The late General Douglas MacArthur said it best with 'Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields and other times will bear the fruits of victory.' Somehow I feel this journey of ours will provide long-term benefits to the world."
Team USA will conduct a 14-day domestic training camp from June 20-July 3 prior to departing for Japan on July 4. Its first tournament game will be July 10 against Korea, followed by a match-up with Germany on July 12. The championship game is scheduled for July 15.
USA Football will announce its training camp site on May 14. The Team USA support staff will be announced on May 16. The assistant coaches will be announced on May 21. The 45-man roster will be announced on May 23.
USAFootball.com
The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The United States is competing in the tournament for the first time. Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.
“We’ve been building towards the opening of our training camp for more than a year now,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “With only five weeks to go until our camp begins the excitement level is high for all of us at USA Football and especially our coaching staff and players. We’re looking forward to seeing the first U.S. national team take the field in Japan on July 10.”
Former NFL and college head coach John Mackovic will lead Team USA into this year’s tournament. Mackovic and his staff will coach a team of 45 players who completed their college eligibility in 2006. The roster will be a true cross-section of college football, with all levels of the NCAA and the NAIA represented by at least one player.
"There is a growing enthusiasm among those committed to coach and play for the USA's first ever senior national team,” Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. “I look forward to the competition and the opportunity to make new friends through our play. American football's popularity around the world should be enhanced by our participation in this World Cup. The late General Douglas MacArthur said it best with 'Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields and other times will bear the fruits of victory.' Somehow I feel this journey of ours will provide long-term benefits to the world."
Team USA will conduct a 14-day domestic training camp from June 20-July 3 prior to departing for Japan on July 4. Its first tournament game will be July 10 against Korea, followed by a match-up with Germany on July 12. The championship game is scheduled for July 15.
USA Football will announce its training camp site on May 14. The Team USA support staff will be announced on May 16. The assistant coaches will be announced on May 21. The 45-man roster will be announced on May 23.
USAFootball.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Japan coach runs the rule at camp ahead of IFAF worlds
The Japan Times
By KAZ NAGATSUKA
Through his signature big jet-black sunglasses, head coach Toshiaki Abe looks at the gridiron contemplating on which players he may have to call upon this coming summer.
Toshiaki Abe, the sunglasses-wearing Japan national team coach, checks out Saturday's American football training camp at Nihon University's Shimo-Takaido campus in Tokyo.
One hundred and forty three players have been assembled for the ongoing first stage of the Japanese national team's training camp for the 3rd IFAF World Championships (American football World Cup), which will be hosted in Kawasaki from July 7-15.
The training camp consists of top players from both the X League and the collegiate ranks, such as quarterback Kentaro Namiki (Asahi Beer Silver Star) and running back Takuya Furutani (Obic Seagulls), of the X League. The players are divided into two groups and practices have been held every other weekend for each group since the beginning of this month.
What has surprised Abe is that most of the players have entered the training camps in good shape. He also feels that playing for the World Championships in front of home crowds will be a strong motivator for the team.
"The players came in in good condition, and that really opened my eyes," Abe said at Saturday's training camp at Nihon University's Shimo-Takaido campus in the Setagaya Ward of Tokyo. "Their motivation level is high as well. Emotions like 'I want to play' were flooding out of them. But I don't know who to pick yet."
The Japan American Football Association hasn't yet officially announced how many stages of training camps it will take to select the final roster.
The initial stage will last until the end of March or early April, when the roster will be cut down to about 70 or 80 players. That number will ultimately have to be reduced to 45 players, which will make up the national team's final roster.
Japan will be playing as the two-time defending champion in the six-nation tournament. The Japanese team won the inaugural tournament in 1999 followed by another championship in 2003.
Meanwhile, one matter that troubles Abe's selection process is the presence of the United States, which will be making its first appearance in the World Championships.
While the type of squad the homeland of American football dispatches for the tournament is still unknown, it appears that the U.S. team will consist of athletes that just missed making an NFL roster. Which still makes for an extremely high-caliber of player.
"They're not off their guards," Abe said of the U.S.
With the presence of the mighty U.S. team in mind, Abe plans to build his team around players with some bulk.
"Whether you can play against Japanese players doesn't mean much," he said. "Because you might face guys who are over two meters in the World Cup."
Also, considering the limited number of players on the roster, Abe wants to field versatile, durable players with more stamina that can play both offense and defense.
"I'll say no thank you to ones who say 'I can only play offense,' " said Abe, adding that his squad will be young.
"But after all, after everything, it comes down to here," Abe continued, drumming his heart. "That you love football isn't enough. It's not like playing in the X League or the Rice Bowl. You'll be playing carrying the national flag on your back."
The two teams that finish in first-place after the group stage will play in the final, which will be held at Todoroki Stadium on July 15. Japan is in Group 1 with Sweden and France, while the United States will compete in Group 2 with Germany and South Korea.
During the second stage of their training camp, the Japanese national team is scheduled to play warm-up games against two collegiate combined teams on April 15 at Kawasaki Stadium and on April 29 at Expo Flash Field in Suita, Osaka Prefecture.
By KAZ NAGATSUKA
Through his signature big jet-black sunglasses, head coach Toshiaki Abe looks at the gridiron contemplating on which players he may have to call upon this coming summer.
Toshiaki Abe, the sunglasses-wearing Japan national team coach, checks out Saturday's American football training camp at Nihon University's Shimo-Takaido campus in Tokyo.
One hundred and forty three players have been assembled for the ongoing first stage of the Japanese national team's training camp for the 3rd IFAF World Championships (American football World Cup), which will be hosted in Kawasaki from July 7-15.The training camp consists of top players from both the X League and the collegiate ranks, such as quarterback Kentaro Namiki (Asahi Beer Silver Star) and running back Takuya Furutani (Obic Seagulls), of the X League. The players are divided into two groups and practices have been held every other weekend for each group since the beginning of this month.
What has surprised Abe is that most of the players have entered the training camps in good shape. He also feels that playing for the World Championships in front of home crowds will be a strong motivator for the team.
"The players came in in good condition, and that really opened my eyes," Abe said at Saturday's training camp at Nihon University's Shimo-Takaido campus in the Setagaya Ward of Tokyo. "Their motivation level is high as well. Emotions like 'I want to play' were flooding out of them. But I don't know who to pick yet."
The Japan American Football Association hasn't yet officially announced how many stages of training camps it will take to select the final roster.
The initial stage will last until the end of March or early April, when the roster will be cut down to about 70 or 80 players. That number will ultimately have to be reduced to 45 players, which will make up the national team's final roster.
Japan will be playing as the two-time defending champion in the six-nation tournament. The Japanese team won the inaugural tournament in 1999 followed by another championship in 2003.
Meanwhile, one matter that troubles Abe's selection process is the presence of the United States, which will be making its first appearance in the World Championships.
While the type of squad the homeland of American football dispatches for the tournament is still unknown, it appears that the U.S. team will consist of athletes that just missed making an NFL roster. Which still makes for an extremely high-caliber of player.
"They're not off their guards," Abe said of the U.S.
With the presence of the mighty U.S. team in mind, Abe plans to build his team around players with some bulk.
"Whether you can play against Japanese players doesn't mean much," he said. "Because you might face guys who are over two meters in the World Cup."
Also, considering the limited number of players on the roster, Abe wants to field versatile, durable players with more stamina that can play both offense and defense.
"I'll say no thank you to ones who say 'I can only play offense,' " said Abe, adding that his squad will be young.
"But after all, after everything, it comes down to here," Abe continued, drumming his heart. "That you love football isn't enough. It's not like playing in the X League or the Rice Bowl. You'll be playing carrying the national flag on your back."
The two teams that finish in first-place after the group stage will play in the final, which will be held at Todoroki Stadium on July 15. Japan is in Group 1 with Sweden and France, while the United States will compete in Group 2 with Germany and South Korea.
During the second stage of their training camp, the Japanese national team is scheduled to play warm-up games against two collegiate combined teams on April 15 at Kawasaki Stadium and on April 29 at Expo Flash Field in Suita, Osaka Prefecture.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
2007 IFAF World Cup
Kawasaki, Japan
Group 1
Group 2
Matches
July 07, 2007: Japan 48 - France 0
July 08, 2007: Germany 32 - South Korea 2
July 10, 2007: Sweden 16 - France 14
July 10, 2007: United States 77 - South Korea 0
July 12, 2007: United States 33 - Germany 7
July 12, 2007: Japan 48 - Sweden 0
July 14, 2007: South Korea 3 - France 0 (5th-place game)
July 14, 2007: Germany 7 - Sweden 0 (3rd-place game)
July 15, 2007: United States 23 - Japan 20 (2 OT, championship game)
Final Standings
Group 1
| Country | W | L | PF | PA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2 | 0 | 96 | 0 | 4 |
| Sweden | 1 | 1 | 16 | 62 | 2 |
| France | 0 | 2 | 14 | 64 | 0 |
Group 2
| Country | W | L | PF | PA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 2 | 0 | 110 | 7 | 4 |
| Germany | 1 | 1 | 39 | 34 | 2 |
| S. Korea | 0 | 2 | 2 | 109 | 0 |
Matches
July 07, 2007: Japan 48 - France 0
July 08, 2007: Germany 32 - South Korea 2
July 10, 2007: Sweden 16 - France 14
July 10, 2007: United States 77 - South Korea 0
July 12, 2007: United States 33 - Germany 7
July 12, 2007: Japan 48 - Sweden 0
July 14, 2007: South Korea 3 - France 0 (5th-place game)
July 14, 2007: Germany 7 - Sweden 0 (3rd-place game)
July 15, 2007: United States 23 - Japan 20 (2 OT, championship game)
Final Standings
| 1st | | United States (3-0) |
| 2nd | | Japan (2-1) |
| 3rd | | Germany (2-1) |
| 4th | | Sweden (1-2) |
| 5th | | South Korea (1-2) |
| 6th | | France (0-3) |
Monday, September 25, 2006
John Mackovic Named USA Head Coach
VIENNA, VA. - Former NCAA and NFL head coach John Mackovic has been selected by USA Football to lead the United States national team that will compete in the 3rd World Championship of American Football next year in Kawasaki, Japan.
Mackovic replaces former Virginia and Navy head coach George Welsh, who was announced as Team USA's coach in August. Welsh withdrew from participation due to business opportunities that precluded him from devoting full time and effort to coaching the national team.
"John Mackovic's international experience makes him the ideal choice to lead the United States national team in our first appearance in the World Championship of American Football," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "Along with his impressive coaching credentials he is a great ambassador for our sport and we're pleased to have him lead our U.S. National Team."
Mackovic is currently in the process of identifying and selecting coaches to fill out his five-man assistant staff.
The 45-man United States roster will be comprised of college football players who complete their eligibility in 2006. Player selection will begin late in the 2006 college football season when head coaches at all NCAA and NAIA schools will be asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors from their teams for consideration.
"This is like a dream come true. I have always wanted to spread the game of football around the world," Mackovic said. "We intend to select outstanding young men from across our country to play on this first-ever United States National Team. While we will train and play to win every day, we also recognize the immense opportunity through football to make new alliances across the globe. We welcome the chance to play against other countries in a true world championship."
The United States will be one of six countries competing in the world championship. Japan, the host country and two-time defending champion, and Sweden, the current European champion, and Germany have already qualified for the event along with the United States. Two more countries will qualify for the championship through play-in tournaments in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific later this year.
Mackovic is no stranger to the international popularity of American football. He has twice visited Japan to coach at Konan University in Kobe City, delivered a coaching clinic in Sweden, and assisted with coaching the Italian national football team in 2005. He also hosted many international coaches on his campuses to learn from his coaching staff.
In 35 years of coaching, Mackovic held four college head coaching positions and one top NFL spot, served as offensive coordinator at three different Division I-A schools and worked as an assistant under legendary coach Tom Landry in Dallas. With an overall collegiate record of 95-82-3 in 16 seasons, Mackovic led nine teams to winning records, culminating in eight bowl invitations.
Mackovic made his first head coaching stop in 1978 at Wake Forest. In his second season the Demon Deacons finished 8-4 and earned what was then just its third post-season invitation in school history with a bid to the Tangerine Bowl.
A six-year stint in the NFL followed his three-year stay in Winston-Salem. In 1981 Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry chose Mackovic to mentor a Danny White for two seasons as quarterbacks coach. In 1983, Mackovic was hired as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, and in four seasons, he led the team to the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons.
In 1987 the University of Illinois came calling. During his four-year stay at Illinois from 1988-91 he guided the Illini to a 30-16-1 record (.649) and four consecutive bowl games.
He served as the head coach for the University of Texas from 1992-1997. In 1995, Texas won the last Southwest Conference title, finishing with a berth in the Sugar Bowl and a final 10-2-1 record. In 1996, Mackovic led the Longhorns to the first Big 12 title with a 37-27 victory over No. 3 Nebraska in the Inaugural Big 12 Championship Game. The Longhorns went on to a Fiesta Bowl appearance and finished 8-5.
He became Arizona's 26th head coach on Dec. 4, 2000 and served in that capacity until 2003. His 2002 squad set 50 school team and individual offensive records.
IFAF.info
Mackovic replaces former Virginia and Navy head coach George Welsh, who was announced as Team USA's coach in August. Welsh withdrew from participation due to business opportunities that precluded him from devoting full time and effort to coaching the national team."John Mackovic's international experience makes him the ideal choice to lead the United States national team in our first appearance in the World Championship of American Football," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "Along with his impressive coaching credentials he is a great ambassador for our sport and we're pleased to have him lead our U.S. National Team."
Mackovic is currently in the process of identifying and selecting coaches to fill out his five-man assistant staff.
The 45-man United States roster will be comprised of college football players who complete their eligibility in 2006. Player selection will begin late in the 2006 college football season when head coaches at all NCAA and NAIA schools will be asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors from their teams for consideration.
"This is like a dream come true. I have always wanted to spread the game of football around the world," Mackovic said. "We intend to select outstanding young men from across our country to play on this first-ever United States National Team. While we will train and play to win every day, we also recognize the immense opportunity through football to make new alliances across the globe. We welcome the chance to play against other countries in a true world championship."
The United States will be one of six countries competing in the world championship. Japan, the host country and two-time defending champion, and Sweden, the current European champion, and Germany have already qualified for the event along with the United States. Two more countries will qualify for the championship through play-in tournaments in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific later this year.
Mackovic is no stranger to the international popularity of American football. He has twice visited Japan to coach at Konan University in Kobe City, delivered a coaching clinic in Sweden, and assisted with coaching the Italian national football team in 2005. He also hosted many international coaches on his campuses to learn from his coaching staff.
In 35 years of coaching, Mackovic held four college head coaching positions and one top NFL spot, served as offensive coordinator at three different Division I-A schools and worked as an assistant under legendary coach Tom Landry in Dallas. With an overall collegiate record of 95-82-3 in 16 seasons, Mackovic led nine teams to winning records, culminating in eight bowl invitations.
Mackovic made his first head coaching stop in 1978 at Wake Forest. In his second season the Demon Deacons finished 8-4 and earned what was then just its third post-season invitation in school history with a bid to the Tangerine Bowl.
A six-year stint in the NFL followed his three-year stay in Winston-Salem. In 1981 Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry chose Mackovic to mentor a Danny White for two seasons as quarterbacks coach. In 1983, Mackovic was hired as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, and in four seasons, he led the team to the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons.
In 1987 the University of Illinois came calling. During his four-year stay at Illinois from 1988-91 he guided the Illini to a 30-16-1 record (.649) and four consecutive bowl games.
He served as the head coach for the University of Texas from 1992-1997. In 1995, Texas won the last Southwest Conference title, finishing with a berth in the Sugar Bowl and a final 10-2-1 record. In 1996, Mackovic led the Longhorns to the first Big 12 title with a 37-27 victory over No. 3 Nebraska in the Inaugural Big 12 Championship Game. The Longhorns went on to a Fiesta Bowl appearance and finished 8-5.
He became Arizona's 26th head coach on Dec. 4, 2000 and served in that capacity until 2003. His 2002 squad set 50 school team and individual offensive records.
IFAF.info
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