With last week's roster reveal of the 17U National Team announced by USA Football, a few other United States-based players will be representing a different country.
Joining Mexico's national team for the upcoming 5-on-5 Junior International Cup flag football competition are
Azul Trujillo and
Jessica Manriquez of
Vincent Memorial (Calexico, Calif.) and
Makayla Martinez of
Chandler (Ariz.).
The quarterback-receiver duo Trujillo and Manriquez elevated Vincent Memorial to championship status in the CIF San Diego Section Division II bracket this past fall. The tandem also broke three records, including Trujillo smashing the single-season passing yardage mark with 9,503 yards and Manriquez tallying a national record 276 receptions for 3,702 yards.
In two seasons at Vincent Memorial, Azul Trujillo has thrown for over 14,000 yards and 180 touchdowns. (PHOTO: Camilo Garcia Jr.)
Trujillo was named the MaxPreps California Sophomore of the Year this past fall.
Martinez can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball and has multiple collegiate flag football offers, including Nevada State University and North Central Missouri College. She had 858 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman before a torn ACL sidelined her for most of her sophomore and junior years.
All three players have represented the United States in the past but will compete for Mexico from June 17–21 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The Junior International Cup is organized by USA Football and will include the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Australia, Panama and New Zealand, among others.
