On a night filled with excitement, drama, and athletic excellence, the Borregos Monterrey reaffirmed their dominance in the ONEFA Major League by securing their third consecutive championship after defeating the Auténticos Tigres with a final score of 24-21 in overtime. The championship final, held at Estadio Banorte in front of over 10,000 passionate fans, will be remembered as one of the most iconic matchups in Mexican college football history.
The home team started strong with precise offensive execution. Fernando Sarabia, Borregos’ quarterback, led an effective offensive series by connecting on a 25-yard pass to Daniel Santos, placing the ball at the 3-yard line. On the next play, Nicolás Villagómez ran those three yards to score the first touchdown of the game. With the extra point by Leonardo Guajardo, the Monterrey team took a 7-0 lead.
Borregos wasted no time extending their lead. In the final minutes of the first quarter, Sarabia threw another 25-yard pass, this time to Miguel Ángel Lozano, who dodged the defensive coverage to score. Guajardo once again added the extra point, leaving the score at 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Despite the early deficit, Auténticos Tigres quickly showed why they reached the final. In the second quarter, quarterback Patricio Quiroga completed a key pass to Christian Espinoza, placing the ball on the 1-yard line of the home team. Star running back Ángel Alvarado finished the play with a carry that added six points, followed by Reynaldo Blanco’s extra point, reducing the gap to 14-7.
The visiting offense demonstrated resilience before halftime. In a well-executed offensive drive, Alvarado shone once again with a five-yard run that resulted in a touchdown, tying the game 14-14 with only 35 seconds left in the first half.
The third quarter turned into a defensive showcase. Both teams adjusted their strategies and successfully stopped the opposing offenses. However, in the final period, the Tigres capitalized on a Borregos mistake by recovering the ball at the Monterrey team’s 25-yard line. This crucial moment was seized by José Delgado, who scored on a short run, giving the visitors a 21-14 lead.
With only three minutes remaining, the Borregos attempted to mount a new offensive drive but showed signs of desperation. This led them to take a risky long pass, which was intercepted by the Auténticos’ defense. At that moment, all seemed lost for the home team, as the Tigres only needed a first down to seal the game. However, in an unexpected decision, they opted for a pass that fell incomplete. This forced them to punt the ball, giving possession and renewed hope to Monterrey with just over two minutes left on the clock.
With less than two minutes on the clock, Monterrey faced a critical situation. The offense, led by Sarabia, started on their own 19-yard line with 1:47 left to play. In a nerve-wracking series, the quarterback connected on crucial passes, including an 18-yard throw to Eduardo Ortega, who carried the ball into the end zone to tie the game 21-21 with just 32 seconds remaining.
In overtime, the Auténticos Tigres had the first offensive opportunity, but the Borregos’ defense held strong and forced a field goal attempt, which the UANL kicker missed. Under intense pressure, the Borregos took control of the ball and secured the victory with a flawless kick by Leonardo Guajardo, who was named the game’s MVP after nailing a 36-yard field goal to seal the final score at 24-21.
Legacy and Glory for Borregos Monterrey
With this victory, the Borregos Monterrey were crowned Liga Mayor champions for the third consecutive year, claiming their 18th title in program history and reaffirming their position as one of the powerhouses in Mexican collegiate football. Estadio Banorte resonated with the support of their fans on a night that will be remembered as an unforgettable regional classic.
The Borregos’ triumph not only highlights their ability to perform under pressure but also showcases the quality and spectacle that collegiate football offers in our country.