The ONEFA College Semifinals in Mexico Promise Excitement and Drama
The ONEFA college semifinals kick off this weekend in Mexico not only as playoff games but also as separate bowl games each having enormous fan attraction. Huge crowds are expected for both games as the undefeated UANL Tigres take on the underdog UACH Aguilas in the Cayetano Garza Bowl. In the other matchup, the UAdeC Lobos will face the UNAM Pumas in the Jacinto Licea Bowl.
Cayetano Garza Bowl
UANL Auténticos Tigres v. UACH las Águilas
The unbeaten Tigres enter this game has heavy favorites having whipped the Águilas during the regular season 45-0. Nevertheless, this is the playoffs. For the Aguilas to have a chance though, quarterback Randall Antonio Perez Mendoza must remained disciplined, sticking to the short passing game which was so successful in the quarterfinal 16-9 win over the UAEM Potros Salvajes. And Cesar Martinez’s defense must step up their play.
It will be tough to stop Tigres quarterback Jesús Mata Charles and running back Joan Medina Tavitas who had 100 yards rushing in the second half alone in the quarterfinal win over the Linces.
There is no question that the Tigres have had a tremendous season but without winning the championship it would have been for naught. This game is critical.
The Águilas have improved immensely throughout the year and won four straight entering this game. In other words this is not the same team that lost to the Tigres earlier. Still, they are in tough.
Jacinto Licea Bowl
UAdeC Lobos v. UNAM Pumas
The Pumas offensive firepower was in evidence last week in their 48-14 quarterfinal victory over the Univ. anahuac Cancún Leones. The Pumas scored on their first five offensive possessions with Allan Rosado scoring the first two touchdowns while the Pumas defense recorded two first half interceptions.
However, the Lobos have offensive weapons of their own in quarterback Marco Antonio and running back Oscar Delgado de la Rosa who scored all four touchdowns in the 28-20 win against the Acatlán Pumas last week. De la Rosa scored a touchdown in each quarter showing that to stop the Lobos you have to stop him. He is a force both on offense and special teams. Against Acatlán he returned the second half kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown.
A key factor in this game could be the venue, Mexico City’s Olympic Stadium, site of the 1968 Summer Olympic Games. Players entering that stadium may well be distracted by its size (69,000 seat capacity) and history.
