There were high expectations for Tempe entering the playoffs. They went a perfect 10-0 and had the state’s all time leading passer at the helm in Emanuel Gant. Things did not start as the Buffaloes would have hoped in their opening round bout against Higley. Gant threw an interception that led to a field goal for Higley, and then Tempe’s early field goal attempt to tie the game went off the goalpost.
And then something “clicked”.
Gant marched the Buffaloes down the field, making difficult throws look easy, something the Buffalo faithful had become familiar with over the years. Then Davante Williams Dempsey was able to break off a run and find the endzone. Tack on a Deandre Hughes kick return for a touchdown, and the Buffaloes had a 14-6 lead going into halftime.
They wouldn’t look back as they went on to win 28-14.
Tempe will take on Cactus, who defeated Sunrise Mountain in their opening round matchup. Tempe linebacker Daniel Taylor and his teammates will savor their opening round win…for now.
Next week’s battle against Cactus should be a shoot out, as both teams average upwards of 43 points per game.
