The UANL Auténticos Tigres are the new ONEFA champions in Mexico after beating the UNAM Pumas CU 16-7 in the Roberto “Tapatio” Mendez Bowl at University Stadium in Monterrey in a game that offered the 31,000 fans on hand drama and excitement.
The Tigres capped an undefeated season with the victory and took a 4-3 overall lead over the Pumas in ONEFA titles. But the game was not decided until Napoleon Juaraz punched the ball in from one yard out with less than three minutes remaining to seal the win.
Photo courtesy MEXSPORT/ Jorge Martinez
The Pumas had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter with a field goal but watched as the Tigres blocked the attempt. After falling behind early 7-0 to the Pumas on a blocked punt which the Pumas recovered in the end zone, the Tigres offense methodically began taking over the game.
Late in the second quarter, quarterback Rodgrigo Maldonado scored on a five yard run to even the score a 7-7. Then, right before the halftime break the Tigres took advantage of a Puma’s fumble kicking a field goal to go up 10-7.
Neither team could mount much offense after that until Juaraz’s touchdown.
The Puma’s had been looking to three-peat for the first time in their history but will have to wait until next year. This was the fourth championship title for Tigres head coach Pedro Morales.