Year after year, Tucson possesses the potential for a 7-8 win season, but has consistently fallen short in recent years. It has been six years since the Badgers last enjoyed a winning season, but this year might finally break that streak. Tucson has endured four coaching changes since 2020, alongside injuries that plagued them in the 2022 season, during which they cycled through five different starting quarterbacks. Nevertheless, the arrival of Salpointe RB coach Zach Neveleff seems to have revitalized the team.

In Neveleff’s inaugural year at the helm, the Badgers achieved their best record since the 2018 season, finishing at 5-5. Three out of their five defeats came down to the final two minutes and were decided by a single possession. What the record fails to capture is that the Badgers remained competitive throughout most of their losses. Neveleff’s squad also set a new school record for the largest margin of victory with an 81-0 win over Nogales.

As the Badgers approach the 2024 season, they aim to build on the promising performance from the previous year, and they certainly have the potential to do so. Tucson must find replacements for key players from last year, including Jacksonville State commit Prince Mugisha (RB), Arizona Christian commit Paul Gomez (TE), four offensive line starters, and others. Observations from 7s events over the summer suggest that Tucson has been successful at filling these positions, and there was notable success for the linemen as Tucson claimed the Big Man Challenge trophy at the Victory 7s tournament.

Regarding the schedule, Tucson faces some early challenges, such as their home opener against WSS 5A #4 Marana. Game 3 will be a rivalry clash against Cienega. The Bobcats are led by former Tucson High coach Justin Argraves, with several staff members also hailing from Tucson High. This will mark the first occasion Argraves and his staff have returned to Tucson since taking the position at Cienega in 2021. The game is expected to be fiercely contested, especially after a controversial finish in 2023 and a closely fought match at the Victory 7s tournament.

Buena, ranked as WSS 5A #12, has elevated expectations this year. The past two encounters with Buena were low scoring and one-possession outcomes, with Tucson narrowly losing both. Securing a victory against Buena is crucial for the Badgers, and Tucson certainly has the capability to do so, given the parity between the teams.

It would seem Tucson is likely to emerge victorious in the remaining games. Catalina Foothills at home should provide a challenge, as should Mountain View Marana, which could be unpredictable. The remaining games are favorably positioned, with the Ironwood Ridge-Flowing Wells stretch all taking place at home. Tucson has the opportunity to turn their fortunes around and achieve success this season. We should gain a clearer perspective once padded practices start next week, and the initial games unfold for the Badgers.