Aztecs answer many questions as both the offense and defense shine.
The Aztecs were in control early and often, showcasing the second year look that coach Sean Lewis has promised. Lucky Sutton was the feature back accounting for 100 yards and two scores and quarterback Jayden Denegal, a Michigan transfer, was 13/25 passing for 208 yards and a score. Receiver Jacob Bostik, a Texas A&M transfer had three receptions for 56 yards and a score. The Aztecs as a team gathered 453 yards of offense while holding
Stony Brook to a mere 95 on defense. The defense easily held down All-American back Roland Dempster, holding him to 49 yards on 12 carries. The Aztecs easily beat the early spread of 16 points while the under on total points won. The victory ended a six game losing streak extending back to last season. The crowd was small, announced as 20,624, but it appeared to be more like the gate of 13,516. Perhaps this win will bring back some Aztecs who had lost their confidence in the team from the last few years.
OFFENSE AWAKENS TO START THE 2025 SEASON
Lucky Sutton scored the first points of the season with a one yard run, capping a 14 play, 75 yard drive that took 9:30 off the clock. The next time the Aztecs had the ball it was Jacob Bostick with a 25 yard end zone grab from Denegal and a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter.
The second quarter was highlighted by Gabriel Plascencia hitting field goals of 42 and 35 yards, taking the Aztecs into halftime comfortably ahead 20-0. The Seawolves punted ten times on the evening and were held to three-and-outs seven times. Their longest drives were two possessions of six plays.
“It’s always good to start fast. Being able to go out and have a good handle… and the guys feeling confident to do alot of different things … is a great way to start” said coach Sean Lewis. “I think it gave the whole stadium, energy that guys were able to feed and build off as we went.”
The Aztecs continued to control the game, albeit in a sluggish third quarter, but did get another score by Lucky Sutton on another two yard score. The Aztecs went for two with a pass from linebacker DJ Herman to linebacker Brady Anderson. This put the Aztecs comfortably and most assuredly on top, 28-0. The final quarter saw backups get into play. Christian Washington scored from a yard out and receiver Parker Threatt scored on a jet sweep from five yards out to end the scoring. The Aztec offensive dominated the trenches, outweighing the Seawolves defensive line by about 60 pounds per person. The disparity between talent of a FBS program and an FCS program is in the trenches.
DEFENSE CAME READY TO PLAY SHUTTING DOWN THE SEAWOLVES OFFENSE
The Aztec rush pressured Stony Brook quarterbacks all evening. Starter Chris Zelloyus was a meager 5/15 for 21 yards and backup Casey Case went 4/10 for 25 yards. Both teams played error free in the turnover category, but there were a few misses by each side. It was a total team effort on the defensive side considering that Stony Brook averaged nearly 30 points a game and more than 400 yards in offense last season. Owen Chambliss and Tano Letuli led the Aztecs with five tackles each. Chambliss included a sack and given credit for 1 ½ tackles for loss. Trey White was noticeably quiet with only three tackles.
Of note was an emergence of a passing game. Denegal was effective going 13/25 for 208 yards. Nine players caught passes including a nice catch and run of 44 yards by Mikey Welsh. Special teams was workman-like with Jordan Napier handling seven punts for 73 yards. Punter Hunter Green had four kicks averaging 54.8 yards.
The Aztecs finally were able to sustain their AztecFast game. Off the field it starts as Focus, Accountable, Smart and Tough. The Aztecs executed to near flawless perfection, albeit against an inferior foe. They still had penalty issues, being flagged seven times for 65 yards. An offensive highlight was going a perfect 6 of 6 in the red zone. Two field goals and four touchdowns will make a coach happy.
NEXT OPPONENT IS WASHINGTON STATE ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6
The Aztecs have nine days to get ready for their next game against Washington State. Kickoff is set for 7:15 and the game will be broadcast on the CW Network. Of a surprising note, the Cougars and Aztecs have only played three times, with the Cougars leading 2-1, including last seasons’ 29-26 victory. Starting next season, the teams will be playing in conference in the newly reformed Pac 12 conference.
AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WEST
The big news of course was the complete collapse by Boise State against South Florida. They were completely handled by the Bulls, going down to a 34-7 loss. Many people, this writer included, thought the Broncos would be too good and likely go through the season with one loss. Well they’ve spilled that milk in week one. They will need to go deep into the well to figure this out before the season gets out of control. Wyoming showed they can win on the road with a 10-0 win against Akron. The Cowboys scored with 4:26 remaining in the game to seal the deal. The remaining games in the conference will be played out this weekend with UNLV playing against Sam Houston, San Jose State hosting Central Michigan on Friday. Saturday features Nevada at Penn State, New Mexico at Michigan, Air Force hosting Bucknell, Utah State hosting UTEP, Fresno State hosting George St., Hawaii travelling to Arizona and Colorado State travelling to Washington. Expect a few more conference losses before the weekend is out. The first games are always an evaluation of execution and expectations. Boise blew up that bubble. Can the Mountain West find a team that will rise? So far, the Aztecs look good. I don’t expect to see any other surprises, but that’s why we play the game.
