MEXICALI, MEXICO — A fourth-quarter kick return touchdown by Central College's Zack Martinelli (senior, Elburn, Ill., Kaneland HS) was too little too late for the American squad as they fell 51-26 against a Mexican all-star squad in the Tazon de Estrellas Saturday.

A dynamic passing attack by the Mexican squad was the difference in the contest, netting 522 total offensive yards and outpacing the Americans by 213 yards.

An 80-yard interception return touchdown by Fabrizio Salomon put Mexico up 51-19 with just 4:04 to play. Martinelli grabbed the ensuing kickoff at the 6-yard line and raced 94 yards for the score.

Martinelli added three catches for 25 yards in the contest. Tight end Mitchell Boerm (senior, Traer/North Tama HS) had one catch for 11 yards. Splitting duties at quarterback, Riley Gray (senior, West Des Moines/Waukee HS) was 10 of 21 for 68 yards and one touchdown pass through the air and led the Americans with 41 rushing yards on 12 carries. Offensive lineman Kyle Pepper (senior, Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Southwest HS) and Cole Tanner (senior, Greenfield/Orient-Macksburg HS) also contributed on the offensive end.

Defensively, linebacker Jessie Peterson (senior, Coralville/Iowa City West HS) had five solo tackles including a 12-yard quarterback sack. Defensive back Zach Matter (senior, Ankeny) picked up two assisted tackles.

Placekicker Aaron Marcellus (senior, Hudson) was 2-for-3 on extra point attempts, but had his 38-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter blocked.

Former Central College defensive coordinator Don De Waard once again served as the coach for the game. With the loss, his record as a coach in the game dropped to 3-2 and the series between the two teams is now tied 4-4.