UPDATE: John Plasencia helped the United States defeat Canada, 41-3, to claim the 2009 International Federation of American Football Junior World Championship.

The former Jesuit tight end caught two receptions for 36 yards, which included a 26-yard touchdown reception. The U.S. team did most of its damage through the air with 318 of its 408 offensive yards attributed to the passing game.

For his efforts, Plasencia was named to the All-Tournament First Team.

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The United States Junior National Team will face Canada on Sunday for the 2009 International Federation of American Football Junior World Championship.

To get to the 1 p.m. title game, which will be broadcast on Fox College Sports Atlantic, the United States team received key contributions from former Jesuit tight end John Plasencia. In the United States opening round 78-0 victory against France, Plasencia tied for second on the team with two receptions for 27 yards.

In the semifinal game, a 55-0 victory against Mexico, Plasencia had one reception for five yards and was also a key blocker that helped the U.S. rush for 221 yards.

One of the coaches working with Plasencia is Frank Lenti, the Chicago Mount Carmel High coach who helped develop former Buccaneer Simeon Rice and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“First of all, John’s just an awesome young man,” Lenti said. “He brings so much to our team and he’s a very coachable young man. And he’s not afraid to get physical. Most of the time he’s got a smile on his face, but on the field, if you tick him off, he’ll make you pay.”

As soon as he finishes his stint with the Junior National Team, Plasencia will report to Northwestern, where he will play for the Wildcats.

“I think Northwestern got a steal,” Lenti said. “I know the coaches there and I told them they hit a homerun with this one.”