In their final preseason tune-up on August 25th, the Aztecs put on a disciplined and physical performance to defeat the visiting Thundercocks 27-10. Under the steady hand of head coach Joseph Poore, the Aztecs continued to build preseason momentum and reinforced the emerging narrative of a team ready to blend seasoned leadership with fresh talent as the regular season nears.

From the opening quarter, Coyoacan’s defense set the tone, forcing a critical fumble by Larry Moses that was recovered by Pedro Denison at the Aztecs’ 27-yard line. This early turnover underscored the defensive tenacity the team has been cultivating all preseason. Linebacker Sebastián Huerta was instrumental in multiple tackles, demonstrating the Aztecs’ physical edge.

Scoring got underway late in the second quarter, thanks to the reliable leg of kicker George Cook, who drilled a 27-yard field goal to put the Aztecs ahead 3-0. Cook added a second field goal from 35 yards late in the half, signaling his readiness to handle pressure situations. This steadiness in special teams aligns with Poore’s emphasis on all three phases of the game as the Aztecs prioritize balance.

Quarterback Andrés Santillana orchestrated the offense with poise, completing 22 of 36 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Notably, his connection with tight end Arturo Beltran was a highlight, as Beltran tallied over 100 receiving yards, including a decisive 10-yard touchdown catch breaking down a cornerback to extend the Aztecs’ lead. David Foster, complementing the passing game, dominated on the ground with 161 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown himself, confirming the Aztecs’ potent ground attack that has been a focus in practice sessions.

Defensively, the Aztecs applied consistent pressure, recording three sacks and snagging an interception to thwart Thundercocks’ passing game. Despite the Thundercocks connection between quarterback Jacob Sampson and wide receiver Robert Mullins (61 yards receiving and a rushing touchdown), the Aztec defense limited their yards and kept opportunities scarce. Thundercocks were held scoreless until a late touchdown run from Wayne Regan, ensuring the Aztecs maintained control throughout.

The game also featured some discipline from the Aztecs, who were flagged six times for 39 yards—not perfect but manageable in a preseason setting. Coach Poore’s team showed solid special teams with effective punting from Peter Moore, pinning the Thundercocks deep multiple times and setting favorable field position. The Aztecs’ ability to limit their own errors while capitalizing on opponent mistakes keeps the team on course for a confident start when the regular season kicks off.

This dominant preseason Week 4 victory is more than a scoreline; it’s a testament to Coach Poore’s continued success instilling a cohesive locker-room culture and a winning mindset. The Aztecs’ blend of productive offense, stifling defense, and special teams execution suggests the pieces are falling into place for a competitive 2063 campaign.

As we look toward the regular season, this game underscores the Aztecs’ readiness to compete at a high level, with key contributors stepping up and the team’s overall identity becoming clearer. Fans can be optimistic that the foundation laid during this preseason will translate into sustained success as the stakes ramp up.