Mexican college: ONEFA Big 14 heading into home stretch

A week of intense games included one that was decided in the final play, another in overtime, and one with a surprisingly lopsided score. The Big 14 continues to deliver great matchups weekly, and in this final part of the schedule, the playoff race is fierce.

Linces UVM (4-3) 27 – Borregos ITESM CCM (1-6) 10

The UVM Linces continue their journey to the postseason after defeating the Borregos Ciudad de México, who are fighting to avoid relegation, 27-10. The Linces, led by an outstanding performance from Jorge Valenzuela, who scored a touchdown after recovering a blocked punt and had an interception, regained a positive record (4-3) and climbed to fifth place in the Big 14 Conference standings.

Borregos ITESM Puebla (7-0) 33 – Pumas UNAM (5-2) 8

Borregos Puebla dominated the Pumas with a convincing 33-8 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. In the first quarter, both defenses maintained a close battle; however, in the second quarter, the Puebla offense shone. Quarterback Patricio Valdez threw three touchdown passes to Emilio Lozada, giving his team a 30-0 lead and shutting down any response from the Pumas. With this victory, Borregos Puebla remains undefeated this season, with a 7-0 record, securing their playoff spot and home-field advantage. On the other hand, Pumas CU, now with five wins and two losses, still have playoff potential but may face tough opponents without the advantage of playing at home.

Borregos Monterrey (8-0) 42 – Aztecas UDLAP (3-5) 17

The defending champions, Borregos Monterrey (8-0), defeated the Aztecas UDLAP (3-5) thanks to a strong offensive showing in the first half. Monterrey, the reigning two-time champions, easily overpowered the Aztecas UDLAP by a score of 42-17. In an impressive first half, Fernando Sarabia threw four touchdown passes, with standout connections to Nicolás Villagómez and Alejandro Cruz on plays of 17 and 14 yards, respectively. By halftime, Monterrey held a 25-point lead. Monterrey’s backup quarterback Víctor Palacios continued the offensive push in the second half, finding Mauro Cavallari for another touchdown. The Aztecas attempted to respond with a connection between Luis Aguirre and Eduardo Valle, but it wasn’t enough to slow Monterrey. This win keeps Monterrey undefeated with a 7-0 record, securing their playoff spot and first place in the 14 Grandes Conference.

Borregos ITESM CEM (4-3) 31 – Águilas Blancas IPN (3-4) 24

At Corral de Plástico, Borregos CEM overcame the Águilas Blancas IPN in overtime with a final score of 31-24. Borregos CEM initially took a 17-0 lead, thanks to two touchdowns from Jonathan Castañeda. However, the Águilas Blancas fought back in the fourth quarter, tying the score at 17. Alejandro Ferruz restored CEM’s lead, but Israel Jiménez and Ricardo Aviña took the game into overtime with a last-minute play. In overtime, Castañeda (#85) scored the winning touchdown, and the Borregos CEM defense held firm to prevent IPN’s comeback. This game marked the second time this season these teams have played a memorable match.

Borregos Guadalajara (4-4) 13 – Águilas UACH (1-6) 10

With the score tied at 10 and 15 seconds left on the clock, the Águilas had the ball on their own six-yard line. Attempting to avoid overtime, they were intercepted on their 35-yard line, leading to a field goal on the game’s final play. Borregos won 13-10, leaving the Águilas in a difficult position to avoid relegation.

Other key scores

Tigres UANL (6-1) defeated Pumas UNAM Acatlán (1-6) 24-7 solidifying their ranking while putting Pumas Acatlán at risk of relegation.

With only two weeks left in the regular season, some teams have bid farewell to their playoff hopes and are now focusing on closing the season strong and preparing for the next. Others with playoff aspirations aim to secure their spots. The upcoming week promises intense matchups as the contenders finalize their playoff standings and championship pursuit list.