We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 ONEFA season — a campaign that has been nothing short of chaotic due to the sheer number of upsets we’ve witnessed. Week after week, teams that seemed to be at a disadvantage have proven that in college football, nothing is written in stone. This round was no exception: from the historic first victory of Zorros CETYS in the Conference of the 14 Grandes, to the stunning comeback by the Burros Blancos, who trailed 28–6 before roaring back to win, and finally, the game of the season — the Northern Classic between Borregos Monterrey and Tigres UANL, a clash that will live long in the memories of fans.
Burros Blancos IPN 36 – Linces UVM 35
In a game that will go down in ONEFA’s recent history, the Burros Blancos from IPN pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in decades, overcoming a 28-6 deficit to defeat the Linces from UVM 36-35 in overtime. During the first half, UVM’s squad dominated with a precise aerial attack, led by their star receiver, Panamanian standout Joshua Scott. However, the second half completely changed the course of the game.
Quarterback Axel Medina led the Politécnico comeback with three touchdown passes, tying the game at 28 points with less than ten seconds left on the clock. The tie forced overtime, where both teams scored again. Linces took a 35-28 lead, but the Burros Blancos responded with determination. After Medina left the game with an injury, Aldo Herrera stepped in for the final play. With courage, he rolled left and ran in the two-point conversion that sealed the 36-35 victory. Beyond the score, the win symbolized heart, resilience, and a refusal to quit from a team that simply would not give up.
Águilas Blancas IPN 21 – Borregos ITESM CEM 20
In another thrilling matchup, the Águilas Blancas from IPN earned a hard-fought and emotional 21-20 win over the Borregos from ITESM Estado de México. The game began unfavorably for the home team, who fell behind 14-0 after two strong offensive drives by the visitors. However, the IPN squad made key adjustments late in the second quarter and found an offensive rhythm that allowed them to close the gap before halftime.
In the second half, running back Paulo Leonardo Palacios became the focal point of the attack, scoring two rushing touchdowns that gave his team the lead. The Politécnico defense held firm until the final seconds, when a 44-yard field goal attempt by Yael Michel García could have changed the outcome. The kick sailed wide right, setting off celebrations in the stands of Estadio Wilfrido Massieu. It was a victory built on discipline and determination, reinforcing the Águilas Blancas’ position as serious contenders within the “14 Grandes” Conference.
Zorros CETYS 24 – Pumas UNAM Acatlán 21
The Zorros from CETYS secured their first-ever victory in the “14 Grandes” Conference with a dramatic 24-21 win over Pumas Acatlán in the final seconds. Pumas took control early with two touchdowns by Luis Medrano, but the home team remained composed and adjusted in the second half. Behind a solid offensive drive, quarterback Miguel Rodríguez tied the game, while kicker Adrián Valenzuela gave the Zorros a brief lead with a field goal.
The contest intensified in the fourth quarter as both teams traded the lead. Pumas pulled ahead 21-17 late in the game, but a final, well-executed drive allowed Rodríguez to reach the end zone once more, sealing the 24-21 comeback. The victory was a statement of perseverance and mental toughness for CETYS, marking a milestone in their growing program.
Borregos ITESM Monterrey 27 – Tigres UANL 24
In the 95th edition of the Northern Classic, Borregos Monterrey prevailed 27-24 over the Tigres UANL, remaining undefeated at Estadio Banorte. It was a matchup worthy of the region’s most iconic rivalry, featuring alternating control and a heart-stopping finish. The defenses dominated early, but the excitement built as both offenses traded scores through the middle quarters.
The Auténticos Tigres struck first with a rushing touchdown by Sergio Reséndiz, but the Tec answered quickly with a touchdown pass from Fernando Sarabia and a stunning 96-yard kick return by Fernando Tonda. In the final quarter, both offenses exchanged blows until a key fumble recovery gave Borregos one last chance. Sarabia calmly led his team into field goal range, where Roberto Medina Jr. nailed the kick to put his team ahead. The Borregos defense then intercepted a deep pass on the Tigres’ final drive, securing the win and reaffirming Monterrey’s reign as the king of the North.
Borregos Puebla 43 – Pumas UNAM 21
Borregos Puebla recorded their third straight home victory after defeating Pumas UNAM 43-21, achieving a positive record for the first time this season. The game was tightly contested through three quarters, tied at 21 points, as both offenses responded to each other’s scores. However, Puebla’s depth, their powerful ground attack led by league-leading running back Fernando Mayen, and their excellence on special teams made the difference down the stretch.
The turning point came when Rafael Rodríguez blocked a punt in the end zone, resulting in a safety that extended the lead to two possessions. From there, Borregos dominated the remainder of the game, closing with two additional touchdowns to seal the victory. With this result, head coach Eric Fisher’s team remains perfect at “El Cráter Azul” Stadium and continues to establish itself as one of the strongest teams in the “14 Grandes” Conference.