Mexico: ONEFA Big 14 begins defining playoff berths

Week 9 of the ONEFA’s Big 14 Conference brought a lineup of thrilling matchups, further clarifying the playoff landscape. With one week remaining in the 14 Grandes Conference and playoff spots still available, this week also marked the last games in the National Conference, whose playoffs will kick off next weekend.

Águilas Blancas IPN (4-4) secures victory over Borregos CCM (1-7)

Águilas Blancas of IPN defeated Borregos from Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Mexico City campus with a score of 31-10, with Israel Jiménez leading IPN’s offense. The first drive ended with Jiménez connecting with Ricardo Cuevas to open the scoreboard at 7-0. Although Borregos’ defense showed flashes of strength, they struggled to contain Águilas Blancas, who scored again with a pass from Jiménez, extending the lead to 14-0.

Borregos responded with a field goal, making it 14-3 at halftime. IPN added three more points with a field goal before the second half. In the third quarter, Borregos momentarily closed the gap with a defensive touchdown. However, a central run by Paulo Leonardo Palacios pushed IPN’s lead to 24-10, sealing the game at 31-10. Águilas Blancas now look forward to hosting Borregos Puebla in the final week.

Tigres UANL (7-1) ends Borregos ITESM Puebla (7-1) unbeaten streak

At the Gaspar Mass Stadium in Monterrey, Tigres earned their seventh season victory, overcoming previously undefeated Borregos Puebla 53-28. The first half was tightly contested, with Borregos Puebla slightly ahead at 28-26. However, Tigres controlled the second half, highlighted by a touchdown pass from Patricio Quiroga to Aldo Herrera and two more scores by José Delgado.

Tigres’ defense dominated the final quarters, recording four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns in consecutive series. Daniel Carranza led with two interceptions, bringing his season total to six. The team’s last game against Leones Anáhuac Norte will be crucial to secure the top spot, especially if Puebla overcomes Borregos Monterrey.

Borregos Monterrey (8-0) remains undefeated, securing the top spot by defeating Anáhuac Leones (2-6)

Borregos Monterrey showcased their strength at Banorte Stadium, beating Leones Anáhuac 42-9 to maintain their undefeated record. The team opened the game with a run by Fernando Sarabia and extended their lead with a 45-yard pass. Leones managed to score a safety, but Borregos’ dominance led to a commanding 21-2 at halftime. Monterrey’s defense held firm, creating turnovers that prevented Leones from mounting any effective offense, and Borregos concluded with a 42-9 win.

Burros Blancos IPN (3-5) dominates Águilas UACH (1-7)

Burros Blancos of IPN routed UACH Águilas 37-14 in Mexico City, with Aldo Herrera and Emilio Alvarado combining for multiple long-yardage plays that quickly put Burros Blancos up 14-0. The first half ended with a comfortable 24-0 lead. The final quarter saw Irving López intercepting and returning for an 80-yard touchdown. UACH scored in the last minutes, but Burros Blancos’ victory was decisive, strengthening their playoff positioning.

Borregos ITESM CEM (5-3) beats Linces UVM (4-4) in a dominant performance

In what was expected to be a close game, Borregos CEM delivered a commanding 28-7 win over Linces UVM. With a strong ground game and an impenetrable defense, Borregos limited Linces’ options and gained a crucial victory that solidifies their playoff contention.

With these scores, ONEFA’s regular season approaches its final week. Top teams like Borregos Monterrey and Tigres position themselves at the top, while IPN and Puebla look to secure their playoff berths in next week’s games.

Pumas UNAM CU (6-2) defeats Pumas UNAM Acatlán (1-7)

In an institutional rivalry, Pumas Ciudad Universitaria (CU) triumphed over Pumas Acatlán 28-14 in Week 9 of ONEFA’s Liga Mayor. Pumas CU opened the scoring with an efficient combination of ground and air tactics, initially driving with Leonardo Garza at quarterback, then shifting to Santiago Lovera, who connected for a running score. CU’s defensive stand prevented Acatlán from mounting a late comeback, and a final interception secured the 28-14 win. This victory boosts CU’s record to 6-2 as they prepare for their regular season finale against Linces UVM.

The final week promises thrilling games as teams vie for the remaining playoff spots.

National Conference scores

Buhos IPN Medicina 28 – Leones Universidad Anahuac Cancun 21
Potros UAEM 27 – Toros Salvajes UACh 14
Halcones UV 36 – Panteras U.Siglo XXI 21
Leones U.Anahuac Qro. 30 – Lobos UAC 24
Cardinals UIW 14 – Lobos ULM 7
Borregos ITESM Qro. 42 – RedWolvs Arkansas State 0