The United States captured an unprecedented sixth consecutive IFAF World Flag Football Championship Sunday, pulling away from Italy for a 46-26 victory in the men’s gold-medal game in Düsseldorf, Germany. Darrell “Housh” Doucette delivered on the biggest stage, accounting for four touchdowns as the USA added another world title to its dominant run.
USA strikes early
The United States wasted little time. Tyler Davis broke loose on a long catch and run before Doucette scrambled for the opening touchdown and found Davis for the two-point conversion.
Italy answered to tie the game 8-8, but the Americans quickly regained control. Nico Casares connected with Laderrick “Pablo” Smith on a shovel pass for a touchdown before Doucette hit Davis on a 45-yard scoring strike. Velton Brown Jr. added the two-point conversion for a 22-8 lead.
Brown sparks the defense
The USA defense then turned the game on its head.
Aamir Brown intercepted Italy on fourth-and-goal, and Doucette later found Davis for another touchdown. Brown struck again on Italy’s next possession, grabbing a tipped pass with 53 seconds remaining.
Two plays later, Doucette escaped the Italian defense for another touchdown, sending the United States into halftime with a commanding 38-8 advantage.
Italy battles back
Italy refused to fold, cutting the deficit to 38-16 after halftime. But any thoughts of a comeback disappeared when the USA immediately answered with a 27-yard touchdown to Shawn “Flash” Theard Jr. Doucette then connected with Brown Jr. for the conversion and a 46-16 lead.
The Italians continued fighting and narrowed the final margin to 46-26, but the damage had already been done.
Doucette earns MVP honors
Doucette finished seven of eight passing for 132 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for two more scores. He also caught four passes for 32 yards and a conversion, earning World Championship MVP honors.
Casares completed 15 of 18 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while Davis caught six passes for 109 yards and two scores.
Brown led a dominant defensive effort with two interceptions and four passes defended.
The victory gave the United States its seventh world championship overall and sixth straight, continuing a title streak that began in 2014.