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-Editorial
CETYS University’s major league football team, the Zorros, will compete in the Organización Nacional Estudiantil de Fútbol Americano’s (ONEFA) top-tier Big 14 League in 2025, following their victory in the 2024 National Conference Championship. The announcement was made during a press conference on Aug. 15 at CETYS University.
The milestone reflects years of effort and investment in a program that once lacked the facilities to compete nationally. The transformation was made possible by the combined commitment of the coaching staff, administration, and student-athletes, who helped elevate the program into Mexico’s most competitive collegiate football circuit.
“We want every game we have at home to be a spectacle, an experience, that reinforces the pride of being Zorros,” said Alejandro Ortiz Soto, Sports Coordinator of CETYS University Campus during his remarks.
The 2024 Zorros CETYS Mexicali football team, played in the National Conference of ONEFA and hosted their games at La Madriguera. Under the leadership of head coach Luis Cervantes, now in his fifth season since taking over in 2019, the team achieved a perfect 10–0 record, including a 7–0 conference performance.
CETYS advanced through the postseason by defeating the Potros Salvajes UAEM, 42–20, in the quarterfinals and the Borregos Salvajes Querétaro, 28–19, in the semifinal. In the National Conference championship game, they defeated the Leones Anáhuac Cancún, 24–20, securing promotion to the 14-Grade League for the first time in program history. The championship also marked the Zorros’ third conference title, following consecutive Grupo Libertad titles in the now-defunct Liga Premier CONADEIP in 2017 and 2018. Cervantes was later named ONEFA Coach of the Year.
Offensively, the Zorros were led by quarterback Miguel Rodríguez, who completed 58 of 110 pass attempts for 992 yards and 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions during the regular season. Wide receiver Isaac Fernández contributed 412 receiving yards, while running backs Ángel Chairez, Sebastián Cisneros, and Mariano Torres each rushed for 184 yards. On special teams, Gael Arévalo led the conference with 969 all-purpose yards, and kicker Ramiro Mora finished second in scoring with 64 points.
Defensively, CETYS allowed just 84.9 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the conference, while holding opponents to an average of 178.7 passing yards. The team also gained 210.3 passing yards and 164.6 rushing yards per game, showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
The Zorros will open their 2025 season in the 14-Grade League on a newly installed synthetic turf field at La Madriguera. Their schedule will include some of the nation’s most competitive teams, such as the Burros Blancos of IPN, Auténticos of UANL, Aztecas of UDLAP, and Borregos TEC squads from CCM, CEM, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Puebla.