The undefeated UDLAP Aztecas (9-0) from Puebla, Mexico travel to face the University of San Diego Toreros (7-1) of the NCAA Div. I Pioneer Football League on Saturday in a special international contest.
The University of San Diego Toreros (7-1, 6-0 PFL), under the direction of fourth year head coach Dale Lindsey, will take on the Universidad De Las Americas Puebla Aztecas, one of the top college football teams in Mexico. The game is considered an exhibition and will not count towards the team record or team statistics.. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. at Walter J. Zable Field at Torero Stadium.
SERIES RECORD: This is the first meeting between San Diego and UDLAP. In 1957 the Toreros played two teams from Mexico, winning both – University of Mexico (27-13) and Mexico Polytechnic (54-0).
LIVE STREAM: Saturday’s contest will be streamed live on TheW.tv with Jack Cronin (@JackCroninPXP) providing the play-by-play call. Live stats will also available at usdtoreros.com.
Pioneer Football League Non Scholarship
The Pioneer Football League (PFL) is a NCAA collegiate athletic conference which operates in the East, Midwest, and California of the United States. It has member schools that range from New York, North Carolina, and Florida in the east to California in the west. The conference participates in the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a football-only conference. Unlike most other Division I FCS conferences, the Pioneer League consists of institutions that choose not to award athletic scholarships (“grants-in-aid”) to football players.
TORERO TIDBITS:
* USD Football is in its 54th season of play, and 24th season as a member of the Pioneer Football League… San Diego ranks second for most PFL titles with seven (Dayton leads with 12)… The Toreros have won four of the past five PFL championships (2015c, 2014, 2012c, 2011c) and seven overall when adding in titles from 2007c, 2006, 2005.
* After 8 games the Toreros rank 1st in the PFL in scoring offense (35.9), scoring defense (11.6), rushing defense (95.4), total offense (445.1), pass efficiency (159.2 rating), total defense (269.6), pass defense efficiency (85.9 rating), sacks against (0.12), 3rd down conversions (56.8), opponent 3rd down coversion percentage (.267) and time of possession (34:45). Individuals leading the PFL include Jonah Hodges (111.2 yards rushing per game, 78 points, 13 touchdowns, 170.5 all-purpose yards per game), Anthony Lawrence (161.6 pass efficiency rating), and Jonathan Petersen (0.81 QB sacks). Toreros among the PFL leaders include TE Ross Dwelley(#4 in receptions per game, 5.7), Lawrence (#3 in passing average per game, 249.5; #3 in total offense, 252.5), Jamal Agnew (#3 in punt returns, 11.9), Jonathan Petersen (#6 in tackles for loss, 1.44) and Devyn Bryant and Ray Clark (tied #3 in passes defended, 1.38).
* The Toreros are also FCS national statistical leaders in other areas – In addition to their #1 ranking in scoring defense (11.6), team passing efficiency defense (85.9) and 3rd down conversion percentage (56.8), USD is #2 in and sacks allowed (0.12) and time of possession (34:45), #6 in total defense (269.6) and opponent 4th down conversion percentage (.267), #7 in punt return defense (2.50), #8 in completion percentage (.665) and #9 in rushing defense (95.4) and tackles for loss allowed (4.25)… USD is also receiving votes in all three FCS National Polls (STATS, COACHES, HERO SPORTS)… In the STATS poll the Toreros rank 33rd among FCS programsDE .
* Senior RB Jonah Hodges (Santa Cruz, Calif.) is having a big year after he broke his collarbone in last year’s opener against SDSU… He returned for the team’s final three games in 2015 and finished with 141 yards rushing… During the 2014 campaign he led the team with 1,214 yards rushing (101.2 yards per game) and 6 touchdowns… Thru 8 games this season he has rushed for 890 yards on 144 carries (6.2 yards per carry average; 111.2 yards per game) and 12 touchowns… His 4 rushing TDs against Davidson tied the school record… Among PFL players he ranks first in rushing (111.2), points (78), touchdowns (13), and all-purpose yards (170.5).
* Sophomore QB Anthony Lawrence (La Mesa, CA) gets the starting nod for his 19th straight game… Thru 8 games he has completed 153-227 passes for 1,996 yards and 17 scores… Last season he was team MVP after completing 188-295 passes for 2,392 yards and 23 touchdowns… He was also named the PFL Offensive Freshman of the Year.
Universidad De Las Americas Puebla (UDLAP) Aztecas
This week’s opponent, Universidad De Las Americas Puebla (UDLAP), is based in Puebla, Mexico and plays in the CONADEIP premier league… The Aztecas currently own a record of 9-0 and average 27.4 points per game while giving up just 10.7 points on average to its competition.
Head Coach Eric Fisher is in his 8th season and owns a career record of 69-16.
Two Aztecas from San Diego
Two of their members are from San Diego and played high school football here – safety Milton Earls (Eastlake HS) and RB/WR Jordan Brooks (St. Augustine HS).
