TOLUCA, MEXICO - Team Stars & Stripes defeated the CONADEIP All-Stars 48-7 in the second annual Tazon de Estrellas in Toluca, Mexico, as quarterback Jake Caron of Pomona-Pitzer threw for three touchdowns and was named the American all-star team's MVP.quarterback Jake Caron of Pomona-Pitzer threw for three touchdowns and was named the American all-star team's MVP.
Head Coach Bill Manlove's team of 41 DIII college all-stars turned the tables on the Mexican hosts who had won last year's contest. LaGrange College had four seniors on the team: Defensive linemen Andrew Christie and Drew McAdams; offensive lineman Jon Milner and punter Josh Stripling.
McAdams had three assists and was credited with a half tackle for loss. Stripling was 3-for-4 on extra points and handled seven kickoffs.
A touchdown pass from Caron to Central College tight end Jordan Leuschen earned a 20-0 halftime lead, adding to two touchdown catches by Frank Ross of John Carrol University.
Defense and special teams also played a key role as a blocked punt by Eric Wenzler (Ohio Northern) and interceptions by Blake Suckow (Wartburg College) and Jesse Richards (Ohio Northern) saw the Americans dominate the opening half.
A four-play scoring drive following halftime ended with a touchdown pass from Kyle Simmons (Ohio Northern) to Scott Schottgen of Williamette University before the CONADEIP all-stars drove 70 yard to put their first points on the board.
In the third quarter a Simmons to Ross 46-yard touchdown pass gave the John Carroll University wideout his third scoring catch of the game and opened a 41-7 lead.
Augustana defensive end Curt Perschnik forced a quarterback fumble and Team Stars & Stripes capitalized as Caron tossed another scoring pass, this time to Pomona-Pitzer teammate Robert Maki.
