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Lions coach and player part of historic Team World win

York University Lions head football coach Warren Craney and rookie defensive back Marcus Grandison were part of Team World’s historic 35-29 victory over the United States under-19 national team at the International Bowl Wednesday night, Feb. 1.

The game, which was played at the Kelly Reeves Sports Complex in Austin, Texas, marked the first loss in international competition at the senior or junior level by Team USA, including the 2007 and 2011 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Senior From left, Warren Craney, Marcus Grandison and Michael FauldsWorld Championships, the 2009 under-19 IFAF World Championship and two previous International Bowls.

From left, Warren Craney, Marcus Grandison and Michael Faulds

Craney was Team World’s defensive coordinator for the third straight year, while Grandison, playing on the team for the second consecutive year, was named one of the captains of the team prior to the game.

Lions offensive coordinator Michael Faulds was also in Texas as a coach with the Team World development group.

Led by Craney, the defence for Team World held Team USA to 254 yards in total offence and ran up 404 yards against the Americans.

Craney, Grandison and Faulds will be back at York this week following their successful stint in Texas. Craney, Faulds and the rest of the coaching staff are well into recruiting season and working hard to bring in several top players for next year’s Lions, while Grandison continues to practise with the team after a stellar first season with the Lions in 2011. He finished second on the team with 48.5 tackles and also added a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception while starting all eight games at safety.