The Aztecs' 9-3 victory over the Thundercocks in Preseason Week 4 was a textbook example of how disciplined efficiency and strategic field position can dictate a game's outcome—even when offensive fireworks are limited. Key performance metrics tell the story of a game dominated by defense, special teams, and field goal reliability.

Aztecs kicker George Cook proved to be invaluable, converting all three of his field goal attempts—ranging from 24 to 54 yards—earning a perfect 100% kicking success rate. This precision accounted for all of Coyoacan's points, underlining the Aztecs’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when drives stalled deep in opponent territory. Contrast this with the Thundercocks’ Gregory Savage, who managed just one of two attempts, missing a 49-yard try wide left in the second quarter. Those six extra points left off the board were decisive.

From a yardage perspective, the Aztecs sustained a balanced offensive output with a combined 303 total yards, powered heavily by their ground game. Running back Luis Vasquez led the charge with 113 rushing yards and contributed an additional six yards receiving, underscoring his role as a dual-threat component in Joseph Poore’s offense. The Aztecs’ passing game was efficient if unspectacular, with quarterback Andrés Santillana completing 17 of 22 passes for 141 yards and zero turnovers, a testament to ball security in a tightly contested game.

Tight end Arturo Beltran emerged as the clear receiving standout, hauling in all 17 receptions totaling 141 yards for the team (most of the receiving yards came from Beltran’s 85 yards alone). However, turnovers nagged the Aztecs at critical moments with Beltran fumbling twice but recovering one himself, keeping the Thundercocks’ defense from gaining momentum.

Defensively, while the Aztecs did not record any sacks or interceptions, they managed one fumble recovery. Meanwhile, the Thundercocks displayed aggression with two sacks and forced two fumbles, recovering one. Linebacker Jimmy Littleton and cornerback Thomas Goodwin both forced fumbles, providing bright spots for George Batchelor’s squad.

The Thundercocks maintained control of the ball on the ground with 33 carries but only garnered 60 yards, an efficiency rate significantly eclipsed by the Aztecs’ ground production. The minimal passing game by the Thundercocks yielded just 44 yards on 5 completions from 8 attempts, again highlighting the defensive intensity on both sides.

Special teams also played a pivotal role in determining field position with multiple punts successfully pinning opponents deep. Peter Moore of the Aztecs and Wayne Regan of the Thundercocks exchanged booming punts, consistently forcing fair catches deep in each other's territory. Notably, the Aztecs gathered several key fair catch opportunities through special teams, a subtle but important factor in the field position battle.

Turnovers and penalties also shaped the tempo; the Aztecs were penalized nine times for 77 yards, while the Thundercocks committed just two penalties for 25 yards, yet neither team could convert these into meaningful scoring drives or change the scoring dynamic.

Third-down conversions were conspicuously absent for both offenses, with a combined 0/0 on conversions recorded, emphasizing how both teams struggled to sustain drives in the red zone—no touchdowns were scored by either side. The Aztecs’ ability to convert three field goals instead was the difference-maker.

Coach Joseph Poore’s squad demonstrated a meticulous adherence to a field-position and defense-oriented game plan, squeezing out a win in this pre-season battle of attrition. The Aztecs now aim to build on this efficiency as they continue to integrate offensive playmakers and tighten defensive schemes heading into the regular season.