Japan loses to Canada (again) in IFAF U-19 semi-final

In a game where the Japanese team bested Canada in yardage and time of possession, Canada still found a way to defeat Japan in the IFAF Under-19 championship semifinal, held this year in Austin Texxas, by a 33-24 score.  A last minute touchdown won the game for Canada in the semifinal match in 2009- that game ended 38-35.


Japan recieved the opening kickoff and scored first, but Canada cam back and tied the score on the kickoff return for a TD.  A pick-6 put Japan up 14-7.

Japan trailed 23-14 at halftime, as Japan was plagued by 4 interceptions in the first half.

Strangely, Japan also recieved the 2nd half kickoff, and its initial drive ended with a 31-yad Ariwa FG to pull within a touchdown.

Ikuma Mitsuwa came up with an interception on Canada's next drive.  But Japan returned the favor. 

Japan was able to bring it to within 2 when Kishimura scored on a keeper.  But a 97 yard drive by Canada and a TD on a QB keepers by Hugo Richard put Canada back up
33-24.

Japan was able to cross midfield in the last two minutes, but the drive stalled there, and Canada ran out the clock.

Canada moves on to the Gold medal game saturday to face the winner of the USA-Austria matchup; Japan will be in the Bronze medal game to face the loser.