Football season is underway, and for the first time in more than half a century, San Diego is without an NFL team. But the San Diego State Aztecs say they are here and ready to win over some new fans.
With the San Diego State Aztec theme song blaring over the loud speakers, military members and their families enthusiastically welcomed the Aztecs on Friday to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Sports Complex Field.
Players signed autographs, posed for pictures and played a friendly scrimmage. The event was a first for the Aztecs. For the last ten years it was headlined by the Chargers, with the field canvassed in powder blue and yellow lightning bolts.
“Our game is a lot more emotional and a lot more fun to watch in my opinion,” said head coach Rocky Long. “They’re not as skilled, they’re not as big, they’re not as fast, but they play for the love of the game.”
Long said the Chargers’ departure has given the Aztecs a unique opportunity to fill more seats on game day.
“Football fans are out there,” he said. “If you’re truly an NFL football fan you’re not coming to a college game, but if you’re just a football fan in total, I’m sure that we’ll get some people that just like to watch good competitive football that don’t want to drive three hours and pay 150 bucks for a ticket.”
Marine Cameron Davis, who works on B-22s, said he’s a “former” Chargers fan and a die-hard football enthusiast.
“The powder blue uniforms really got me, but now that they’re up in LA, I see no reason to cheer for them,” Davis said, adding the the Aztecs just might be his new favorite San Diego team.
Last season the Chargers ended the season with 5 wins, 11 losses. The Aztecs were 11 wins and 3 losses.
This season, the Aztecs say they are hoping to be more like the Marine Corps… and win them all.
The Aztec’s season is opener is September 2.
