International Bowl 2015 Results: Score, Reaction for USA vs. Canada U-18 Game

While not at the same level as the Army All-American Game or other showcase events, the International Bowl featuring the United States vs. Canada provides a stage for some of the top recruits in the country to move up the radar for next year's class. The 2015 game was won by Team Canada, 25-9.

This was a big moment for the Canadian squad, one that head coach Glen Mills talked about prior to the game with FootballCanada.com:

"

Being able to represent your country on the international stage in a venue like AT&T Stadium home of the NFL Dallas Cowboys is a tremendous opportunity and a chance of a lifetime. It’s an honour to represent our country on this type of stage.

It just doesn’t get any better – most only dream of competing in a venue and event like this. For our 40 players and coaching staff this dream becomes a reality on January 30.

"

Mills and his staff certainly made the most of this chance with a convincing win and showing off some talented players, none more than star running back Jevante Stanley.

Neither offense had a lot of sustained success in this battle, though Canada was able to find the end zone twice in the first three quarters, thanks to touchdowns runs from quarterback Sawyer Buettner and running back Stanley in the second quarter. 

Matthew Gourlie of the Moose Jaw Times-Herald also had praise for the way Buettner was throwing the ball in this game:

Per Football Canada, Stanley played a key role in the first score too with a long run that propelled Buettner in on the next play:

Just to put the cherry on top of the sundae for Canada, Stanley scored his second touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter to give his team a 20-3 lead after the extra point was missed. 

After being shut down for three quarters, limited to just a field goal, the United States found the end zone on the next drive, thanks to a Robert Washington touchdown, but celebrating was short-lived as Canada got two points for returning a blocked extra point to the end zone making it a 22-9 game. 

From there, Canada basically tried to run out the clock by burning four minutes on its next drive before punting and pinning the U.S. inside its own 30-yard line. Canada would get the ball back around that area after holding the American team to a turnover on downs and hitting a field goal to end the scoring. 

Per USA Football on Twitter, Stanley and Trevon Diggs were named the MVPs for their respective teams:

Stanley was an obvious choice because of his two touchdowns and that one long run early in the game. The United States didn't have a clear favorite because of its offensive struggles, Diggs certainly made his presence felt throughout the game, though there may have been another choice just as worthy. 

In a losing effort, Robert Washington lived up to his recruiting hype. The 4-star running back, as ranked by 247Sports, scored the United States' lone touchdown. As you can see from this picture, via the U.S. National Football Team, he's already a full-grown man:

Washington has his share of college options on the table, including Ohio State and North Carolina, so there's no denying the potential big-time coaches see in him. He's not a speedy back, but he can punish opponents with his size, and he has some tremendous footwork. 

Regardless of the postgame accolades, there was no doubt Canada was the better team on Friday night. The Canadians moved the ball with more efficiency, played smarter and were able to take advantage of their opportunities.

The good news, since this was the under-18 game, is all of the players on the field in Arlington will get the chance to redeem themselves over the next 12 months before deciding where they will play college football. Some of the names that stood out Friday night will be the staples of next year's recruiting class.