Canada won the sixth annual International Bowl Midget Division title at the Pop Warner Super Bowl with a hard-fought 8-6 win over Mexico Azul at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.
The Canadians, whose team has participated in every year of the international games organized by Global Football, held an 8-0 halftime lead they managed to protect, while cheered on by large traveling support, despite a determined comeback attempt launched by Azul.
Click here for a photo gallery from finals day.
Mexico scored on an 80-yard touchdown run with 3:36 remaining, but the extra point kick, worth two points under Pop Warner rules, was blocked, denying overtime and sealing the win for Canada.
“This was one of the most exciting tournaments we have held at the Pop Warner Super Bowl and the standard of international competition intensifies every year,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “Canada are worthy champions, and all the other teams provided us with plenty of memorable moments as well.”
Mexico City, winless before Saturday’s final games, secured victories in both the Midget and Junior Midget categories, beating Queretaro 6-0 in the Midget age group and then the EAFL Falcons 9-6 in the Junior Midget Division.
Mexico Azul claimed the Junior Midget title in dramatic style with a 70-yard touchdown pass as time expired, having trailed the EAFL Falcons 7-0. Azul won the game and the division with a two-point kick, while the Falcons took the runners up spot over Mexico City.
Midget Division – Saturday games
Championship Game
Canada 8 Mexico Azul 6
Queretaro 6 EAFL Falcons 0
Mexico City 6 Queretaro 0
EAFL Falcons 8 Mexico City 7
Junior Midget Division – Saturday games
Mexico Azul 33 Mexico City 0
Mexico City 9 EAFL Azul 6
Mexico Azul 8 EAFL Falcons 7
Standings
Mexico Azul 5-1
EAFL Falcons 3-3
Mexico City 1-5