By Ryan Metz

Following Team World’s 35-29 win over Team USA in the International Bowl at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex on Wednesday night, the local participants felt good about the experience despite the loss.

The game served as a measuring stick with some of the countries best players and coaches.

“It’s definitely a confidence booster because all of my teammates are D-1 athletes,” Cedar Park senior Zach Espinosa said. “It’s good to measure my skills against all the guys.”

Despite storming back with two fourth quarter touchdowns, Team USA was unable to recover an onside kick with under a minute remaining in the game. The World took advantage of three Team USA turnovers. The 3,285 in attendance saw Team World win for the first time in the third edition of the annual game.

Hendrickson’s Daje Johnson playing as a slot receiver – something the University of Texas hopes to employ with him after grabbing him late from TCU – was part of an offense that couldn’t get anything going consistently on its side of the ball. He caught one pass for three yards and blocked a field-goal attempt in the third quarter.

“You’ve got so many playmakers that it makes it hard to play as a team,” Johnson said. “It’s definitely harder on the offensive side.”

Johnson felt relieved following the frantic couple of weeks he had as the recruiting season wound down.

“I’m very excited for my next four years. This game is great but I’m ready for college football. I’m hitting the weight room and running every single day. I feel at ease, I got it over with and I’m ready to be a Longhorn. I’m glad I got it off my chest,” he said.

Both Espinosa and Johnson played and connected with future teammates, with each thinking that it serves them well when they head to their respective schools.

Following the game, Stony Point coach Craig Chessher was found giving pleasantries to his defensive linemen that he coached in the game.

Chessher was disappointed in the outcome, despite the effort. He noticed last season’s game was more competitive and Team World had a lot to play for in terms of bragging rights.

“It was inevitable (that we lose our first game to the World),” he said. “It was just unfortunate that it had to happen here at my home. Our kids played very hard.”

Chessher came away from the game’s experience wanting to get right back to work with his team at Stony Point.

“What I learned about our staff is that we do things the right way at Stony Point. I’ve got a bunch of good soldiers that do what we ask them to do,” he said.