Friday Night Lights: Chargers “Beat the Buffs” in annual rivalry game

McClintock Chargers Varsity Football dominated the Tempe High Buffaloes on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, winning 31-0 at home.

The Chargers showed strong defense, toppling the Buffaloes from scoring on several occasions throughout the game. The Chargers scored four touchdowns and one field goal.

Quarterback Xavier Benitez was recognized by azcentral Sports as a top performer for his performance in the game. Benitez, a senior, stood out after he passed for 315 yards and two touchdowns and completing 27 of 34 passes.

The student section, known as the ZooKrew cheered on the Chargers throughout the entire game . The student spirit section participated in numerous activities to keep the crowd’s energy high, including push-up board, parting the “Red Sea” and longtime tradition, “Hey Mr. Barkdoll”.

Honoring a legend

Coach Karl Kiefer was celebrated during halftime, honoring the 30-year anniversary when he led the Chargers to beat Mesa Westwood in the 1989 state championship. Kiefer, along with a dozen members of the ’89 state championship team, stood to be recognized on the 50 yard line during halftime.

Under the direction of Kiefer, the Chargers  won three state football championships 1977, 1980 and 1989. Later in his career, Kiefer left McClintock to start the football program at Mountain Pointe High School, a sister school in the Tempe Union High School District.