Wheeling, W. Va. - After finishing the regular season 7-1, the Mexicas of the Liga de Futbol Amricano Profesional (LFA) earned the number one seed in the LFA Playoffs. They begin their run towards the Tazon Mexico (Mexico Bowl) this weekend and a former Wheeling Football player returns to help them on their championship quest. Former Cardinal running back Sy Alli IV has resigned with the Mexicas for the playoff push, after spending the 2024 season as one of a pair of dual-threat running backs for the team.
Alli originally signed with the Mexicas back in November 2023 and spent the entire 2024 season with the team. He would serve as one half of a Mexicas dual threat backfield that saw Alli and teammate Tim Whitfield combine for over 1,200 yards rushing during the season. Alli would help the MExicas finish the 2024 season with a record of 5-3 and earned the LFA's #2 seed in the Playoff standings. They would host the Caudillos in the semifinal round, but fell to bring their playoff run to an end. Alli IV brings his combination of speed and power to the Mexica's backfield once again for the 2025 playoff run as the team looks to chase down a Mexico Bowl title.
Alli was part of the inaugural Wheeling University Football team back in 2018 and made his mark on the program over his five seasons with the Cardinals. He remains the only 3,000-yard rusher in school history, carrying the ball for 3,108 yards during his career, and holds the program record for rush attempts (657), Yards Gained (3,249), Net Rushing Yards (3,108), Rushing Touchdowns (24), and Rushing Yards/Game (72.28). During the 2021 season, he became the first running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in school history, finishing with 1,014 yards and earning First Team All-MEC honors. He was a three-time All-MEC honoree, with two of those being First Team honors, and is one of just two players in the program's history to earn Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American Honors.
After earning the LFA's #1 seed in this year's tournament field, the Mexicas are set to host #4 seeded Arcangeles de Puebla on Saturday, July 5th with kick-off scheduled for 4 PM. Alli will be reuniting with teammate Timoth Whitfield to once again give the Mexicas a 1-2 punch that ranked among the league leaders during the 2024 season in rushing yards. The winner will compete in the Tazon Mexico (Mexico Bowl) on Saturday, July 12th. The Mexicas will be looking for their second Tazon Mexico Title, and first since they defeated the Raptors 17-0 during the 2018 season.
The LFA semifinals kick-off on Saturday, July 5th with the Mexicas taking on the Arcangeles at 4 PM. Fans can watch the action on the LFA's YouTube Channel by clicking HERE.
