Countdown to Kickoff: Previewing Tucson High Football | Sports

Tucson, Ariz. (KVOA) – The countdown to the high school football season continues with a look at Tucson High Football. 

The Badgers went 5-5 last season, but that record doesn’t tell the full story. 

Tucson dealt with injuries early on and lost five straight games in the middle of the season. However, it ended the year strong with four straight region wins. That includes victories over Mountain View and Maricopa. 

Head Coach Zach Neveleff enters year two with the Badgers after taking over the program in 2023. He has prioritized improving the culture within Tucson’s football program. That starts in the classroom. 

“We were able to raise our team’s GPA by .7,” he said. “Culturally, we’ve really honed in on what it means to be a Tucson Badger. So we’re super excited and couldn’t be more grateful.”   

“[Coach Neveleff] understands what it takes to be a winning team and what it takes to become a team,” Senior Safety Kevin Bruns said. “He really pushes us so we can become our best.”

That success has translated onto the field. Neveleff said he has a lot of talent on his team.

“We have playmakers everywhere,” he said. “From top to bottom, we’re stacked. Our defense is firing on all cylinders. They’re fast. They’re physical. Offensively, we have a bunch of different weapons. So it’s like pick your poison where you want to matchup with us.”

“Our brand of football is smashmouth football,” Junior Linebacker Dominic Drow said. “We’ll hit you every play. It doesn’t matter who you are.”

Tucson kicks off the 2024 season on the road against South Mountain Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.