2011 IFAF World Cup: USA Defeats Mexico 17-7, Will Battle for Gold Medal

Mexico may have the USA's number in associated football (do Pablo Barrera, Giovani dos Santos and Javier Hernandez ring a bell?), but when it comes to American football, they are still relegated to second fiddle.

On Tuesday, the USA, under head coach Mel Tjeerdsma, exacted some sort of payback for the demise of their soccer counterparts in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final by defeating Edgar Zapata's Mexican national team by the score of 17-7 in Innsbruck, Austria.

Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Cody Hawkins is the USA's main playmaker on offense. Hawkins passed for 267 yards, setting up a couple of touchdown runs by DaShawn Thomas. Thomas's two-yard plunge with nine minutes remaining sealed the fate of a spirited Mexican squad.

With the victory, the States have a shot at defending their crown against either Japan or Canada on Saturday, July 16 at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria.

Earlier in group play, the USA defeated Australia 61-0. The ground game was led by Henry Harris and Thomas. Harris had 99 rushing yards and two scores, while Thomas racked up 95 yards and another two touchdowns on the ground.

Hawkins passed for 204 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while backup Ben McLaughlin added another on 96 yards passing.

Hawkins's favorite target was Nate Kmic from Mount Union, who caught seven passes for 106 yards and a score. The defense was led by John Jacobs, who had 5.5 tackles over the Oceania representatives.

Also in group play, the USA rolled past Germany 48-7. Hawkins passed for 152 yards and a score, while Kmic caught eight passes for 77 yards and ran for another two touchdowns on 22 yards rushing.

Maurice Banks led the defense with five tackles and a 77-yard interception for a score. Other notables on defense include Osayi Osunde, who had five tackles and Terrance Jackson, who recovered a forced fumble by Jordan Lake 10 yards for a score.