The 2024 season of ONEFA’s Big 14 Conference will be remembered for its intensity and high-level competition, with the Tigres UANL and Borregos Monterrey once again proving their dominance. Both teams will face off in the final in Monterrey for the third consecutive time on Friday, November 29, at Estadio Banorte, following decisive victories in their respective semifinals.
Tigres UANL earn solid win over Borregos Puebla
At Gaspar Mass Stadium, the Tigres hosted Borregos Puebla, aiming to secure their place in the grand final. Despite renewed hopes from Puebla, the locals delivered a solid performance, defeating them 35-20 in a match that showcased Tigres’ strength on both sides of the ball.
The game began with both teams vying for control in their opening drives. Puebla, visiting one of the season’s most consistent teams, struggled due to crucial mistakes. With 5:33 left in the first quarter, Ángel Alvarado scored for Tigres, complemented by a Reynaldo Blanco extra point. Puebla’s response was hindered by Tigres’ formidable defense.
In the second quarter, quarterback Patricio Quiroga extended the Tigres’ lead with a perfect 40-yard touchdown pass to Aldo Herrera, making it 14-0. Puebla fought back as Aldo Valdés connected with Emilio Lozada for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, the Tigres responded quickly, with Quiroga finding Pedro Banda for another touchdown, closing the half at 21-7.
Despite a resilient second half by Puebla, including a touchdown by standout running back Fernando Mayén, the Tigres dominated. A 60-yard run by Alvarado and a blocked extra point by Puebla sealed the final score of 35-20, earning the Tigres a well-deserved spot in the final.
Borregos Monterrey crush Pumas CU
At Estadio Banorte, Borregos Monterrey reinforced their status as favorites by defeating Pumas CU in a lopsided 49-9 victory. This win secured Borregos their third consecutive championship final and the first played at home since rejoining ONEFA.
Pumas CU initially showed promise, taking a 3-0 lead after an interception led to a field goal by Sergio Robles. However, Borregos’ response was swift and overwhelming. Fernando Sarabia shone as Monterrey’s quarterback, delivering multiple touchdowns, including a 27-yard pass to Daniel Santos and a 30-yard strike to Mauricio Santos.
By halftime, Borregos led 35-9, and the second half saw continued dominance. Backup quarterback Víctor Palacios contributed a touchdown pass to Wilfredo Fraustro, closing the game at 49-9. Borregos captain Mauricio Martínez reflected on the team’s excitement to host the final:
“We owed our fans a home final. This is the result of all our effort this season, and we’re aiming for the three-peat.”
The Grand Finale: Tigres vs. Borregos Monterrey
Monterrey will host a historic edition of the “Final Regia” Friday. Borregos Monterrey will chase their third consecutive championship, while the Tigres aim to avenge their losses in the previous finals.
With both teams in top form, this rivalry promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for college football fans.
National Conference Final: Zorros CETYS clinch promotion to Big 14
The Zorros CETYS Mexicali secured their promotion to the Big 14 by defeating Leones Anáhuac Cancún 24-20 in a thrilling National Conference final.
Despite traveling over 4,000 kilometers, the Leones fought valiantly but fell short on the game’s final play. While CETYS struggled with five missed red-zone opportunities in the first half, they dominated possession and capitalized when it mattered most.
This victory marks CETYS’ third Liga Mayor championship but their first in ONEFA. They now join the Big 14, replacing UACH Águilas and promising to compete at the highest level of college football in Mexico.