Viva Azteca!
Thursday, December 6th, 2007It’s hard to focus too much energy on this game this time of year, with either semifinals or a national championship going on at the same time, but just a reminder that the Aztec Bowl takes place Saturday evening, with kickoff at 7 p.m. ET in Chihuahua, Mexico.
It’s the Division III all-star team facing the champion of Mexico’s collegiate league. The frequent questions about the Aztec Bowl and some answers:
Why is the game played on the same weekend as the national semifinals (or the Stagg Bowl some years)?
The AFCA doesn’t have any control over the date of the game. It’s set by Mexico’s college football association, as is the location, which is why the Division III All-Stars are always on the road.
How come my favorite player didn’t make the team?
This question is often asked about players that aren’t seniors. Playing in a postseason All-Star game is only possible if you’ve exhausted your eligibility. Most sophomores and juniors aren’t willing to do that just to play in this game. 
How can I watch the game online?
You can’t, according to the Aztec Bowl site. You can listen to it online here.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a true Division III on Division III All-Star game?
Yep, we agree, it would. I’d rather see 96 or so All-Stars playing instead of 48. But Division III and the AFCA would need tens of thousands more dollars to put on that game, since it would have two teams. Perhaps we’ll get there someday. Then we’d have control over the date, as well. Now that Salem has turf, perhaps a true Division III All-Star Game could be played the next day in Salem Stadium. Picture one senior from each of the Stagg Bowl teams from the night before making a cameo appearance in the game, etc.
Besides, I know plenty of people have horror stories about non-Aztec Bowl Division III All-Star events. Aztec may only have one team, but it is done right.
