Football Recap: Tempe Victorious

Tempe proved they can win big last Friday (they won by 40) and on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out the Independence Patriots 22-20. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Buffaloes have posted since September 5, 2024.

Saul Mendez

Rushing Yards (Career)

10/17/25 @ Independence	16
08/29/25 vs Alhambra	13
09/12/25 @ Flagstaff	10
10/18/24 @ ALA - Ironwood	7
09/05/25 @ Carl Hayden Community	5

Saul Mendez was his usual excellent self, throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in rushing yards (16). 80 of Mendez's passing yards were hauled in by Alex Lara, who also brought in a receiving touchdown.

Tempe's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Independence, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 1-7.

Coming up, Tempe will be playing in front of their home fans against Glendale at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Buffaloes will be up against the Cardinals' rather soft defense (which has allowed 28.86 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Independence, they are taking a road trip to challenge Moon Valley at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.