It took Mexico every second of the 40 minute World Games championship to defend their flag football title but that is exactly what they did this weekend. Diana Flores and her surrounding cast made the plays that they needed to make when it mattered most, defeating world No. 1 USA 26 to 21 to claim back-to-back World Games gold medals. The game was not decided until the final snap with three seconds on the game clock.
The Americans had plenty of chances to win the game and in fact lead as the final snap was taken with three seconds on the clock. However; blown coverages haunted Team USA throughout the day and the final snap proved to be one more example. Mexico on the other hand, intercepted veteran USA quarterback Vanita Krouch twice in the contest. The USA team had entered the final averaging 41 points per game, but Mexico's defense held strong for much of the day.
Team USA struck first with Krouch finding Ashlea Klam for a 7-0 lead. Mexico responded just before halftime with one of their signature two quarterback touchdowns that we have drawn up above. That coupled with a late interception turned into a 14-7 advantage. The game was a back and forth affair until late in the game. The U.S. rallied in the final minute, as Krouch hit Madison Fulford for a 29 yard touchdown and Izzy Geraci for the go-ahead extra point, putting the Americans ahead 21-20 with just 28 seconds left.
But Diana Flores, Mexico's veteran quarterback, had the last word. Capitalizing on U.S. penalties, she fired a decisive strike to Victoria Chavez with three seconds remaining, sealing the win and Mexico's second straight gold. Once again a blown coverage was the culprit for Team USA as two American players jumped Silvia Contreras in the flat, leaving Chavez standing all alone in the back of the end zone.
After that, the celebration began. "We just played the best football here," Flores said. "I'm blessed to be a part of it."
Mexico's 2022 triumph was a blowout; this time it was grit and clutch execution, but the result was the same. El Tri on top of the flag football world.