On Thursday night, the men’s flag football team for Team USA created history. The United States overcame Team Italy, 46-36, to earn the gold medal at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, in a back-and-forth game packed with touchdowns and light on defense. The victory became the American men the first flag football team to win a gold medal at a World Games.
The U.S. earned its fifth consecutive gold medal in international competition, giving the club its record-breaking sixth overall title, as it ended its run to gold with a perfect 6-0 record (including a forfeit win in the semifinals). Italy got off to a good start, but the United States quickly took control of the match.
Doucette led the United States in the uninterrupted touchdown frenzy with a total of five touchdowns. A James Calhoun interception for Team USA in the second half proved to be crucial as the U.S. and Italy attacks were both halted on just one drive. He completed four passes and caught one. With about seven minutes left to play, the U.S. took advantage of Calhoun’s interception to establish a cushion, winning 46-30.
