During the buildup to the 2025 IFAF Americans Flag Football Championships, IFAF has posed three questions to the head coaches of the men’s and women’s teams about to compete for continental glory.
USA men’s head coach Jorge Cascudo needs no introduction. A legendary flag football quarterback for the US men's national team before entering the coaching ranks, under his guidance USA has earned three gold medals including at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, the 2023 IFAF America's continental flag football championships and the 2024 IFAF flag football world championships in Lahti, Finland. Prior to leading the US men's national team Cascudo was head coach of the Panamanian men's national team
How do you maintain the winning consistency this team has enjoyed as other nations are improving? We always enjoy winning, but with other countries constantly improving, we know we can’t afford to stay the same. We’re always adapting, adjusting, and mixing things up to stay ahead. Every time we step on the field, we expect our opponents’ best efforts and game plans. That’s why we stay on our toes, prepare thoroughly, and treat every game like a championship.
What do you think of the group you have been drawn into, especially since you play Canada, who you lost to in Los Angeles earlier this year?
We’re super excited to get back on the field and compete. The International Bowl in Los Angeles was a valuable learning experience that allowed us to prepare for Continentals and find areas where we could improve. Global competition is stronger than ever, but we are prepared to meet the challenge.
What do you believe are the strengths of your team?
I believe our team is battle-tested and has been playing championship football for a long time. We bring a lot of experience and have deep knowledge of the game. The best part about this team is that there are no egos. We’ve earned gold medals, but we won’t rest on that previous success. We know we have to perform at the highest level in Panama against great competition.
Photo: Ernesto Campuzano
