Team Mexico opened tournament with a convincing win

Team Mexico was able to defeat Team Australia convincingly 34-6, in the first game of Day 2 of the Women’s World Championships. Team Mexico showed a deep roster of talent by spreading the ball around on offense, and using a swarming mob-mentality defense to prevent the  Team Australia offense from having much success throughout the game.

Team Mexico made their first play of the Women’s World Championships a memorable one!  Mexico executed a double reverse, flea flicker pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to receiver Karla Machuca to gain 28 yards and start what would be an impressive 78-yard touchdown drive. Using a balanced attack of run and pass plays, Team Mexico was able to cap their first drive with a 7 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to runningback Andrea Romero. The extra point attempt was blocked by Team Australia, making the score MEXICO – 6, AUSTRALIA – 0.

Team Australia was not able to get much going against a strong Mexico defense that swarmed to the ball every play. Quarterback Isabella Paholek attempted a couple of passes, only to have her third attempt intercepted by defensive back Griscel Mondragon. When Team Mexico had the ball again, they wasted no time getting down the field again. This time, a 73-yard drive was capped with a 12 yard pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to running back Karla Granados. The extra point attempt was a successful pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to receiver Maria Pacheco, making the score MEXICO – 14, AUSTRALIA – 0.

The second quarter saw Team Australia’s offense struggle to put together consistent drives, even though there were glimpses of success from running back Casey Byrne, as well as quarterback Isabella Paholek with her legs. Team Mexico had no such struggles, as receiver Ana Barbosa exploded for multiple big plays, and quarterback Maria Cruz showed elusiveness in the pocket and a big arm on a few key plays.

Quarterback Maria Cruz connected with  receiver Ana Barbosa in the back of the endzone for a 9-yard touchdown to account for Team Mexico’s only score of the second quarter. The two point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score MEXICO- 20, AUSTRALIA – 0 at halftime.

Team Austria did not waste any time in the second half, reaching the red zone on two consecutive drives to start the third quarter. On a crucial 4th & goal, running back Casey Byrne was able to bulldoze her way 4 yards into the endzone with the full help of her teammates pushing the pile. The two point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score MEXICO – 20, AUSTRALIA – 6. 

Team Mexico was able to respond quickly with a 45-yard drive that ended with runningback Andrea Romero scoring a 3-yard touchdown. The two point conversion was a successful pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to receiver Maria Pacheco, making the score MEXICO – 28, AUSTRALIA – 6.

The final quarter of play did not have much movement, as both teams conceded to running the ball and trying to finish the game safely. Team Mexico scored the final points of the game, using a 12-yard pass from quarterback Maria Cruz to receiver Ana Barbosa. The two point conversion was unsuccessful, making the final score of the game MEXICO – 34, AUSTRALIA – 6.

 

Most Valuable Players

  • Mexico – Quarterback Maria Cruz
  • Australia – Defensive Back Shannon Whale

 

Top Performers

Offense

  • (Mex) QB, Maria Cruz – 20/34, 190 yds, 4 tds 
  • (Mex) RB, Maria Pacheco – 3 rush, 17 yds / 3 rec, 25 yds, 1 td
  • (Mex) WR, Ana Barbosa – 5 rec, 73 yds, 2 td / 2 rush, 35 yds
  • (Aus) RB, L Byrne – 13 rush, 45 yds, 1 td

 

Defense

  • (Mex) LB, Naomi Robles – 8 tkls
  • (Mex) DL, Montserrat Millan – 4 tkls, 1 sack, 1 tfl
  • (Mex) DL, Taysha Garcia – 4 tkls, 2 tfl
  • (Aus) LB, Kelly Whitehead – 7.5 tkls, 1 tfl
  • (Aus) DB, Laura St Ruth – 7 tkls, 1.5 tfl, 1 pbu
  • (Aus) DB, Shannon Whale – 4 tkls, 2 int, 2 pbu

 

Check also:  WWC2022 GAMECENTER

Photo: Geoff White