Our History

our history

OUR HISTORY

The Legacy of Tempe High School Football
A Storied Tradition

Tempe High School, established in 1908, quickly developed a strong athletic program that included baseball, basketball, and other sports. However, football struggled to gain official recognition. While students formed an unofficial team, it lacked support from the school board. At the time, few schools in Arizona had football teams, limiting Tempe High’s competition to a handful of schools, including Phoenix Indian School, Tempe Normal School, the University of Arizona, and Phoenix Union High School.

In 1924, the district finally approved football as an authorized school sport, leading to the formation of the first official varsity team. Under the leadership of Coach Lewis S. Neeb, the Buffaloes finished their inaugural season with a 3-4 record.

Home Fields and Facilities

Tempe High initially had no dedicated football field. The team played home games at Arizona State College’s stadium, a practice that continued even after the school relocated to a new campus at Mill Avenue and Broadway Road in 1953. The Buffaloes continued using ASU’s Goodwin Stadium until 1969, when lights were installed on their own field, finally allowing them to host night games on campus.

State Championships and Notable Seasons

Since 1924, Tempe High’s football program has secured three state championship titles:

1956 Championship: The Buffaloes achieved a perfect 10-0 season under Coach John Zucco. Without a formal playoff system, Phoenix sportswriters declared Tempe High the Class B state champion. Between 1954 and 1957, Coach Zucco led the Buffaloes to an impressive 32-6-1 record, including an 18-game winning streak.
1989 Championship: Tempe High shared the 4A state title with Agua Fria after a thrilling 10-10 tie in the championship game at Sun Devil Stadium, attended by over 11,000 fans. Under second-year coach Jim Murphy, the Buffaloes finished the season with a 13-1-1 record.
1996 Championship: The Buffaloes won their third title in an unforgettable 20-17 overtime victory against Glendale Ironwood. Quarterback Todd Mortensen connected with Justin Taplin for the game-winning touchdown, capping off a flawless 14-0 season under Coach Tim McBurney.

The Rise of Tempe’s Football Rivalries

For decades, Tempe High commanded the undivided loyalty of the local community. That changed in 1965 with the opening of McClintock High School, igniting an intense crosstown rivalry. Their first meeting in 1966 ended in a 3-2 victory for McClintock. Over the following decades, McClintock dominated the series, winning 21 of 28 games through 1993. These matchups often drew large crowds at ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium. Notable games include:

1971: A crowd of 15,000 witnessed Tempe defeat McClintock 19-14.
1972: Over 10,000 fans watched Tempe secure a decisive 21-3 victory.
1989: Tempe edged out McClintock 25-24 in what some sportswriters consider one of the best high school games of the 1980s. That year, both teams went on to win state championships.

In 1971, Mayor Dale Shumway introduced the City Trophy to recognize the winner of the annual Tempe-McClintock showdown. By 1974, the contest expanded to include Marcos de Niza High School, and later, Corona del Sol High School. As more schools emerged and teams played in different divisions, selecting a city-wide champion became impractical, leading to the trophy’s retirement in 1983. During its tenure, McClintock won the trophy ten times, Marcos de Niza twice, and Tempe once. Today, the trophy is displayed at McClintock High School.

The Evolution of High School Football in Tempe

In the early years, Friday night football games at Tempe High were significant community events. Today, with multiple schools in the district, fan bases are more localized, consisting mainly of students, parents, and alumni. Despite this shift, football remains a cornerstone of student life.

The sport has evolved tremendously. Many athletes now specialize in football year-round, participating in strength training, summer camps, and off-season programs. Coaching has become highly specialized, with professional trainers and advanced facilities enhancing player development and injury prevention. As a result, modern high school football players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before.

From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its three state championships and legendary rivalries, Tempe High School football has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s sports culture. While high school football in Tempe continues to evolve, the passion, tradition, and commitment that define the Buffaloes endure, ensuring that their legacy remains a proud part of Arizona’s athletic history.

OUR SPONSORS

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors. Your unwavering support and generosity make everything we do possible. Without you, our mission would not be as impactful, and our vision would not be as far-reaching.

Your contributions enrich our efforts, empower us, and drive meaningful change. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey—your partnership is invaluable, and we are honored to have you by our side.