Mexico: ONEFA Big 14 Conference heading into home stretch

Rachid Sabag Serrato | American Football | 10/24/2024

With three games left in the regular season, two teams remain undefeated in the ONEFA Big 14 Conference atop the standings with seven teams still in the hunt for the final four playoff spots.

The Borregos ITESM Monterrey and Borregos Puebla were easy winners in their matchups against the Borregos ITESM CEM and Águilas UACH respectively to hold onto the two top spots in the standings with unblemished records while the Pumas UNAM CU and Tigres UANL also came out victorious to stay firmly in the third and fourth spots with 5-1 records.

Pumas UNAM CU (5-1) 31 – Borregos ITESM Guadalajara (3-4) 24
With an impressive second-half comeback, Pumas CU defeated Borregos ITESM Guadalajara in an exciting matchup that was decided in the final minutes f the game. After a tough start, which saw Borregos take a 14-0 lead with passing touchdowns, the Pumas responded with a 90-yard kick return and a strong defense that allowed no points in the second half. In the end, the Pumas offense sealed the win with a touchdown pass. This victory gives the Pumas five wins this season, and they now prepare to face the undefeated Borregos Puebla at CU Olympic Stadium next Friday at 7 PM.

Borregos ITESM Monterrey (6-0) 39 – Borregos ITESM CEM (3-3) 0
Borregos ITESM Monterrey completely dominated their ITESM CEM counterparts, winning 39-0. Monterrey controlled the game from start to finish, scoring on offense, defense, and special teams, showing why they are considered one of the strongest teams in the conference. This victory further solidifies their position heading into the playoffs.

Linces UVM (3-3) 31 – Leones UAMN (2-5) 24
In a thrilling game, the Linces overcame the Leones of Universidad Anáhuac México Norte. With a tight score and a strong defensive performance at key moments, the Linces moved up the standings, aiming to secure their playoff spot. The Leones put up a great fight but couldn’t stop Linces’ momentum, which could hinder their playoff chances.

Tigres UANL (5-1) 39 – Burros Blancos IPN (2-5) 21
Tigres continued their winning streak by defeating Burros Blancos at Estadio Wilfrido Massieu. Although the Burros had some highlights, including an interception and a 68-yard run, the Tigres imposed their ground game, wearing down the opposing defense and securing a comfortable victory.

Borregos Puebla (6-0) 52 – Águilas UACH (1-5) 10
Borregos Puebla remain undefeated after a dominant victory over the Águilas of Chihuahua. Despite playing many backups, Puebla controlled the game and conserved energy for their next crucial matchup against the Pumas CU, which promises to be a key matchup in the season.

Águilas Blancas IPN (3-3) 19 – Aztecas UDLAP (3-4) 10
Águilas Blancas returned to the win column with a key victory over Aztecas UDLAP.
This past Saturday, at Estadio Wilfrido Massieu, Águilas Blancas from Instituto Politécnico Nacional secured an important 19-10 victory against Aztecas from Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) in a crucial game for both teams in their fight for the playoffs. With this win, the team from Mexico City improved to 3-3, while the team from Puebla fell to 3-4, both still with chances to advance, but with maximum pressure in the remaining games.

National Conference

Lobos UAdeC 32 – Tecos UAG 26
In a very close match, Lobos UAdeC managed to edge out Tecos UAG, practically securing their spot in the next round. Tecos fought until the end but couldn’t overcome the team from Saltillo, who demonstrated solidity on both sides of the ball and showed they remain competitive.

Indios UACJ 28 – Toros Salvajes UACh 7
Indios from Ciudad Juárez surprised Toros Salvajes from Chapingo with a commanding victory. Despite the long journey from the border, Indios took advantage of Chapingo’s weaknesses and earned an important win that puts them back in playoff contention.

Zorros CETYS 28 – Búhos IPN 20
Zorros CETYS Mexicali remained undefeated with a stellar performance from their star wide receiver, Gael Arévalo #10, who scored four touchdowns in a tough game against Búhos IPN. Despite trailing at the start, Zorros adjusted and secured a victory, making them favorites for the National Conference championship.

Halcones UV 28 – Correcaminos UAT 6
Halcones from Universidad Veracruzana continued their strong season with a comfortable win over Correcaminos UAT. With a solid defensive performance, Halcones remain in the playoff hunt, while Correcaminos continue with an inconsistent season.

Leones UA Querétaro 17 – Borregos ITESM Querétaro 13
In a regional rivalry, Leones from UAnahuac Querétaro secured a narrow victory over Borregos from Tec Querétaro. Both teams delivered an exciting game, but in the end, Leones capitalized on their opportunities better, taking the win in the final minutes by stopping Borregos’ offense.

Potros ITSON 22 – Frailes UT 20
In one of the most intense games of the week, Potros ITSON defeated Frailes from Universidad del Tepeyac in Mexico City for the first time in 20 years, after traveling 26 hours by bus. The game was very close, and although Frailes fought until the last second, their lack of a reliable kicker cost them the game. They missed an extra point and a field goal that could have given them the victory. Potros emerged victorious and remain in the playoff hunt.