Pumas Win a Thrilling Match against Burros Blancos

In an intense game, the Pumas from Ciudad Universitaria defeated the Burros Blancos from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional with a score of 24-23, taking a strong step towards the Onefa playoffs and winning both games against IPN after defeating Águilas Blancas last week in Zapopan.

It was a difficult start for both teams. The auriazul defense held the white and maroon team in three plays. It was precisely on this kick when Jerónimo Arzate blocked the ball and Mauro Rivera recovered it, allowing the home team to start their offense in the red zone.

But this did not serve them well, as on their first play Víctor Hernández fumbled the ball and the Burros Blancos regained possession.

The team led by coach Ernesto Alfaro took advantage of the gift with an offensive series that culminated in a 10-yard pass from Abel García to Luis Martínez on the fourth down, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead.

The Pumas responded with a good offensive series, where Rafael Arenas moved the chains and led his team to tie the game with a deceptive pass to Marco Cisneros in the promised zone.

In the second quarter, the Burros had another opportunity and it was Abel García himself who scored on a personal 27-yard carry, giving IPN the lead again.

Before halftime, the kickers made costly mistakes. Siliceo Reyes missed a 40-yard attempt that could have brought his team closer, while Ángel Sánchez failed in his 35-yard attempt. At halftime, IPN was winning 14-7.

In the third quarter, the white and maroon team took advantage of defensive gaps to advance and take the lead. Abel García once again found Martínez in the end zone, adding six more points for his team, but the extra point was blocked (20-7).

The Pumas did not give up and from midfield, Rafael Arenas threw a long pass to Ricardo Sainz, who dodged a safety and reached the promised zone. The field goal was successful and the Pumas were six points away from a tie (20-14).

IPN was on the verge of sealing the game with a carry by Jesús Sosa into the end zone, but a penalty nullified the touchdown.

After this, David Flores intercepted a pass from García and the UNAM team returned to the attack for at least three plays before punting again.

In the final quarter, nerves took hold of the players on both sides. Ángel Sánchez missed another field goal from the 36-yard line and Reyes Spíndola also failed in his 48-yard attempt.

This was compounded by another setback for IPN, as Abel carried the ball nearly halfway and got injured after being tackled, so his brother Luis Enrique García entered as the starter. The Burros Blancos added more points with a 46-yard field goal (23-14).

The Pumas, now with Daniel De Juambelz, who found Germán Malanche and brought them closer to the end zone. With 3:41 left to play, De Juambelz threw a 25-yard pass to Andrés Salgado, bringing the score to 21-23.

Abraham Herrera and the Pumas defense managed to contain the Burros Blancos and forced a turnover.

From their own 36-yard line, De Juambelz started the final offensive drive hoping to reverse the score. The task was accomplished. Pumas moved the chains and Siliceo Reyes turned the score around with a 32-yard field goal.

And even though the Burros recovered Abel to try to turn the game around, Jerónimo Arzate once again showcased his field vision and intercepted the pass to seal the game.

Now the Pumas must defeat the Leones from Anáhuac México Norte next week to secure the playoffs at home, while the IPN team is obliged to defeat the Águilas UACH and hope that the Águilas Blancas lose to the Auténticos Tigres.