Ryanne Rich, Contributor

SDSU head coach Sean Lewis reflected postgame on the journey his team has taken this season:

“Yeah, it’s been a journey. I like your choice of words with that. Through all of it, I’m proud of who we’ve become.”

On October 17th, the Aztecs’ journey took them to new heights, securing the win and keeping the Old Oil Can trophy at home in their battle against Fresno State at their homecoming game, finishing 23 – 26.

It was a game of pure entertainment and excitement, with the energy surging through the stadium from the fans all the way onto the field, keeping watchers like me and fans alike on the edge of their seats.

SDSU came in hot in the first quarter of the game, putting in the work after coming off a grueling defeat against Oregon State just the week before. Tonight, the boys had something to prove.

Just four minutes into the 1st quarter, senior linebacker Sione Hala forced a fumble from Fresno State tight end Brock Lium. San Diego kept their defensive stance strong, not giving the Bulldogs the chance to drive the ball. The team’s efforts came to a head nine minutes into the first quarter after kicker Cooper DiLeva scored a field goal from thirty-two yards, bringing the score to 3-0.

With two minutes left in the first quarter, the Aztecs scored again, with Jaylen Hawkins bringing it to the end zone after a 52-yard pass from Jayden Denegal. A good kick from DiLeva again, and the score moved up to 10-0.

Moving into the 2nd quarter, the Fresno State offense worked to try and start their comeback. DiLeva scored a field goal to give the Aztecs a strong lead, 13-0, but the Bulldogs wouldn’t back down just yet.

Fresno State kicker Manaki Watanabe brought his team their first score with a 50-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 10. The rivalry’s aggression and tough plays between each other all came to a head when an injury occurred for senior quarterback Jayden Denegal nine minutes in, and freshman Stone Saunders came in his place.

His absence immediately put the Aztecs’ momentum to the test as Saunders took the reins. The reformed Aztecs had to adapt to Denegal’s absence, in what proved to be a moment of adversity for the men of Montezuma.

Fresno State took advantage.

With just four minutes left, running back Bryson Donelson scored a touchdown for Fresno. With a good kick from Watanabe, the Aztec lead was fading as the score jumped to 13-10.

Though Fresno State stayed quick on their feet and another Aztec player was moved off the field, DiLeva scored again with one second on the clock to finish the 2nd quarter 16 – 10.

Tonight, both teams came to play, and they played hard.

Their rough gameplay continued with a Fresno player getting taken off the field for an injury early in the 3rd quarter, showing the fire both teams brought towards each other. In a sneaky handoff to Ezekial Avit, the back was able to rush nineteen yards to set his team up to score, as running back Julius Gillick bringing it to the end zone and giving Fresno State their first lead of the night, 17-16.

Anticipation from the players brought on messy play and a 15-yard penalty for the Aztecs due to unsportsmanlike conduct, a call made on Freshman Alijah Lash. Snapdragon stadium erupted in disapproval at the referee’s choice, and it was clear that going into the final quarter of the game, the Aztecs would have to give it their all.

Just 20 seconds into the final quarter, Sutton turned the tides of the game with a career-long 67-yard run. Coming off a two-game absence, this play had fans thinking that Lucky Sutton might just bring the Aztecs their lucky day.

And their luck did not run short, with wide receiver Jordan Napier bringing it to the end with blocking assistance from the former-QB-turned-WR Bert Emanuel Jr.

A good kick from DiLeva, and the Aztecs were up once again 17 – 23.

The touchdown brought the energy back to the Aztecs and fans alike, with San Diego taking a hard defensive stance to protect their lead.

Still, Fresno State didn’t back down with two hard pushes to the end zone and converted for six points. A nail-biting moment for fans as the crowd watched Watanabe go in for the kick; It was no good, and the score settled at a tie, 23 – 23.

With four minutes left on the clock and all of the crowd on their feet with hope for their team, the burning question in everyone’s mind now was: Could the Aztecs pull through and take this homecoming win?

With just one minute left to score, DiLeva pulled through for his team and secured the win with a 53-yard field goal, ending the game 23 – 26. The energy of Snapdragon Stadium that night was infectious, with anyone present being able to feel the cheers of the audience move through their body.

In post-game reflection, DiLeva knew that he “had to come in the game with a different mentality,” describing it best as “kill or be killed.”

It goes without saying what side of that statement DiLeva found himself on.

For Sutton, his 67-yard drive proved to be meaningful, not only to inject momentum into his team, but for his personal journey as well.

“I’ve had multiple explosive runs in the past, last year, but this one meant a little bit more because, I’ll be honest, I’ve been dealing with some mental setbacks these last couple of weeks, not being able to play with my brothers,” Sutton said. “To have that long run to just bring some energy back to the sideline to finish the game out just meant so much to me…All I’ve tried to play for is for this team, and I really loved that play.”

The Aztecs will head back to the road to take on Colorado State on Saturday night, Oct. 24.