The Aztecs secured a 38-24 victory over the Gryphons in the 2062 Wild Card playoff opener at the Gryphons' home field on December 24. Aztecs head coach Joseph Poore guided his team to a commanding win fueled by four rushing touchdowns and a strong defensive effort.

The Aztecs struck first in the first quarter with a 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrés Santillana to wide receiver Patrick Rivera. George Cook added the extra point, putting the Aztecs up 7-0. Shortly after, Santillana connected with Michael Peters on a 41-yard touchdown reception, extending the lead to 14-0.

Gryphons quarterback Gregory Boswell responded with a 56-yard field goal by Fred Sessions late in the opening quarter, narrowing the deficit to 14-3. Despite Boswell completing 32 of 50 passes for 360 yards, the Gryphons offence struggled to convert in scoring positions. Their lone touchdown came from running back Corey Dillon on a 3-yard run in the second quarter, which was converted by Sessions, cutting the gap to 14-10.

The Aztecs answered with a productive ground game; they amassed 89 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in total. David Foster contributed significantly with 78 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown, while Michael Peters added one rushing touchdown alongside his 107 receiving yards. Tight end Arturo Beltran also recorded a rushing touchdown and 27 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Aztecs were effective at pressuring the Gryphons. They posted five sacks and forced a fumble recovery while intercepting Boswell's passes twice. Aztecs defender Fred Jones notably intercepted a key third-quarter pass and maintained possession.

Special teams played a solid role for the Aztecs as well; Peter Moore punted effectively throughout the game, including several long punts that pinned the Gryphons deep in their own territory. The Aztecs converted one field goal attempt and benefited from limiting the Gryphons’ kicking success, as Sessions missed a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter.

The Gryphons committed 11 penalties for 78 yards, compared to six for 36 yards for the Aztecs. Despite their efforts, the Gryphons failed to convert any third downs. The Aztecs maintained control throughout, using a balanced attack and disciplined defense to secure the win and advance in the playoffs.

The victory in this elimination game moves the Aztecs forward while ending the Gryphons' postseason run, marking a significant achievement for head coach Joseph Poore’s squad.