CDMX Mexicas claim second LFA title in defensive Tazón México VIII thriller

AFI | American Football | 07/14/2025

The CDMX Mexicas edged the Osos de Monterrey 13-12 in a defensive masterclass at BUAP Olympic Stadium, capturing their second Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional championship in a tense, low-scoring Tazón México VIII decided by critical red-zone stands and late-game drama.

Defensive battle dominates first half
The Osos struck first behind quarterback Shelton Eppler (#8), who orchestrated a methodical opening drive capped by a deep touchdown pass to tight end Tommy Auger (#39) for a 7-0 lead. Mexicas quarterback Austen Wright (#11) responded with completions to Pierre D’Angelo Williams (#84) and Tim Whitfield (#44), but the Osos’ red-zone defense forced a 27-yard field goal by Miguel González (#36) to trim the deficit to 7-3. Monterrey extended their lead to 10-3 via Jesús Aguirre’s (#18) 41-yard field goal, while a potential Osos touchdown run by Axel Montini (#20) was nullified by Colby Campbell’s fumble at the goal line, resulting in a touchback.

Mexicas grind toward breakthrough
Wright’s 38-yard scramble and a defensive pass interference penalty positioned CDMX at the Osos’ 6-yard line late in the second quarter, but Monterrey’s front seven stuffed two rushing attempts, forcing another González field goal (10-6). Both defenses dominated a scoreless third quarter, with Mexicas linebacker Diego García (#52) keying a goal-line stand and Osos cornerback Rodrigo Mendoza (#21) deflecting a critical third-down pass.

Fourth-quarter gambles decide championship
Mexicas running back Juan Pablo Segura (#33) emerged as the offensive catalyst in the final frame, ripping off consecutive 12-yard runs to set up Wright’s 17-yard strike to Jeremiah Knight (#5) at the 3-yard line. Segura punched in the go-ahead touchdown on the next play, giving CDMX a 13-10 lead with 8:21 remaining. Monterrey’s ensuing drive stalled at midfield, and a botched 48-yard field goal attempt by Aguirre with 1:14 left preserved Mexicas’ advantage.

Late safety adds drama, seals outcome
Trailing by three, Osos defensive end Eduardo Rojas (#94) sacked Wright in the end zone for a safety (13-12) with 0:02 remaining. Monterrey’s desperation 64-yard field goal attempt fell short, cementing CDMX’s title.

Defensive titans define legacy
The Mexicas held the Osos to 287 total yards, with defensive tackle Luis Ramírez (#90) recording two sacks and three tackles for loss. Monterrey’s defense countered with four sacks and 11 QB pressures, led by linebacker Andrés Sánchez (#45). CDMX head coach Félix Buendía secured his second Tazón México victory, emphasizing postgame that “discipline in critical moments separated us.”

The win completes Mexicas’ turnaround from a 3-5 regular season to LFA champions, while the Osos fell short in their bid for a third title. Both teams reinforced the league’s growing defensive parity, combining for just two offensive touchdowns in 60 minutes.

Final Score: CDMX Mexicas 13, Osos de Monterrey 12
Key Stats:

CDMX: 276 total yards (89 rushing), 3/13 third-down conversions, 2/3 red-zone efficiency.
Osos: 287 total yards (102 rushing), 4/14 third-down conversions, 1/3 red-zone efficiency.
Turnovers: 1 (Osos fumble at goal line).

Source: LFA.mx