Team Mexico defeats Team Air Raid Tour in Tazon Azteca XLVII
By Roberto Arturo
In a defensive showdown, the Team Mexico defeated Team Air Raid Tour 27-2 in the 47th edition of the Tazon Azteca, at Chapingo University in Texcoco, Mexico.
The prelude to the game was marred by controversy, as the local press criticized the organizers for the lack of information about the game and the opponent. In the end, the all-star team of the ONEFA Mexican College Football faced a 25-player team from the United States, coached by one of the Air Raid Offense founders, Hal Mumme.
Team Mexico took advantage of a fourth down blunder by the American team on the first drive taking possession of the ball on the Air Raid 17 yard line. It looked like a Dante Smith interception of a Leonardo Garza pass saved the Air Raid team but the call was reversed after an offside penalty. The locals then opened the scoring with Julio Covarrubias powering his way in from the one yard line to give Mexico a 7-0 lead.
Team Mexico RB Esteban Espinosa #11 finding running room Photo: Eduardo Mendoza
The Mexicans boosted the score to 13-0 with a trick play from the wildcat formation. However, a bad snap on the extra point enabled Smith to return the ball and get two points for Team Air Raid leaving the score 13-2.
Team Mexico continued their defensive dominance and got interceptions from Jose Pablo Sanchez, Hidekel Solares and a defensive touchdown from Eugenio Pedraza, aided by the pressure generated by DE Humberto Bengochea. The score was 20-2 at halftime.
Running back Esteban Espinosa opened the second half with a 65 yard touchdown igniting the crowd and extending the lead to 27-2. This also ended up being the last score as both defenses stiffened as the second half turned into a defensive battle.
Team Air Raid Tour RB Aaron McAllister #5 battling for yardage Photo: Eduardo Mendoza
The post-game celebration was headlined by Mexico’s head coach Enrique Zárate, while Eugenio Pedraza was named MVP after his spectacular performance. On the other side, Curtis Cuillard was named the MVP of the visiting team.
This game marks the sixth consecutive win for Team ONEFA, as well as the fifth in a row against a selection of players from the United States.
