CCIW Players Shine in 28-7 victory over mexico in 2006 Aztec bowl

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Running back Mike Guzman of Augustana and quarterback Kam Kniss of North Central put forth a solid effort in leading the United States to a 28-7 victory over Mexico Sunday in the Aztec Bowl in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Guzman finished with 34 yards rushing with a long of 20, including a 54-yard touchdown reception to give the United States a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. Kniss was 7-for-18 for 86 yards including one touchdown pass in the third quarter that gave the United States the lead for good.

Team USA moved its series lead 9-1 all time and have outscored Mexico 101-25 in the last three meetings. The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico’s college football schedule. The game has been played 35 times since 1947 with the last 10 contests featuring the United States vs. Mexico match-up.

Guzman finished his senior season with 749 rushing yards on 127 attempts with six touchdowns, earning him first-team all-conference honors. Kniss was named Art Keller Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season after throwing for 2,881 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2006.

Guzman was the recipient of the Rob Schipper Award at the Aztec Bowl. The award was created by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Team USA Aztec Bowl coaching staff in memory of former Team USA coach Rob Schipper who recently passed away. The award is given to the player who best embodies the leadership qualities that Schipper looked for when selecting Team USA.