McClintock defensive back named Arizona Cardinals Player of the Week
McClintock Senior Bryce Tate (#4) stands with his family after being presented the Arizona Cardinals Player of the Week award.
October 22, 2019
McClintock High School’s Bryce Tate was named the Arizona Cardinals High School Player of the Week for his performance in week 9 of the Arizona High School football season.
Tate, a senior, plays defensive back and wide receiver for the Chargers. He was recognized by the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Oct. 24 on the football field during practice surrounded by his friends and family.
Presenting the award was Arizona Cardinals mascot Big Red, Cardinals cheerleaders and other Cardinals support staff.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Tate said during the ceremony. “It still hasn’t settled in that I could get this award.”
On Friday night, Oct. 18 2019, Tate helped lead the team to a 49-0 win over Paradise Valley, where he intercepted four passes, had five catches for 150 yards and scored two touchdowns.
“My mindset going in was: I’m going to do whatever it takes to get this win,” he said.
Though proud of his individual performance that night, Tate said this award wouldn’t have been possible without the support from his fellow Chargers. Wins like this help put McClintock football on the map, he added.
“This is a team award,” he said of the 2019 Varsity Charger football team. “This is really for the team.”
Friday night’s win over Parade Valley also marked Senior Night – a celebration of football players, band members and cheerleaders in their senior year at McClintock. Tate celebrated senior night alongside his teammates who have shared the field together for the past four year.
“We’ve built a family all four years so far,” Tate said. “Going into the season, we were saying we could be one of the best teams in the state. I feel like we’re proving ourselves.”
The Chargers are currently 5-3 in the 2019 season, a big improvement over the last several season – an improvement he credits to the McClintock football coaching staff. McClintock Varsity Football is lead by head coach Corbin Smith.
“Without them, I don’t think we’d be here,” Tate said.
The Arizona Cardinals recognize one Arizona high school football player and one coach each week during the season.
