Staff Reports
THATCHER — The Thatcher Eagles kicked off their 2025 season with a statement, overpowering the American Leadership Academy-Ironwood Warriors 41-29 in a high-energy showdown at Eastern Arizona College’s John Mickelson Field on Friday, Aug. 22. In front of a raucous home crowd, the Eagles leaned on a dynamic offense led by senior quarterback Chad Johnson and a stingy defense anchored by Brigham Palmer to secure the victory in a game that had it all—big plays, momentum swings, and a fourth-quarter flurry.
The Warriors struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the second quarter after capitalizing on a Thatcher fumble recovered at their own 25-yard line. But the Eagles responded with grit. Chad Johnson, wearing No. 17, punched in a 12-yard rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 7-6, followed by a perfect point-after from kicker Luke Marble to knot the score at 7-7 with about eight minutes left in the half.
ALA-Ironwood answered quickly, as quarterback Kash Castaneda connected with Caleb Flores on a long pass, setting up a 20-yard rushing touchdown by Shawn Hinchcliff to reclaim the lead at 14-7. Not to be outdone, Thatcher’s offense fired back. A 60-yard bomb from Johnson to Jackson Bryce late in the second quarter gave the Eagles their first lead at 21-14 heading into halftime, igniting the home stands.
The third quarter saw both defenses flex their muscles. Thatcher’s Travis Larson recorded a key sack, stalling an ALA-Ironwood drive at the Eagles’ 45-yard line. The Warriors countered with a sack of their own by Gage Barrett, pinning Thatcher at their own 11. A safety by ALA-Ironwood narrowed the gap to 21-16, but Thatcher’s offense refused to wilt. Johnson found Ryan Jones for a 19-yard touchdown pass late in the third, with Marble’s PAT pushing the lead to 28-16.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Eagles. Ryan Jones a defensive standout, intercepted two ALA-Ironwood passes, both setting up Thatcher scores. The first led to a 12-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Bryce, and after another Jones pick, Johnson scampered 15 yards for a rushing touchdown, though Marble missed the PAT, making it 41-16. ALA-Ironwood fought back late with two rushing touchdowns—a 14-yarder by Hinchcliff and a 6-yarder by Matthew Bartolo—but a failed two-point conversion with a minute left sealed their fate at 41-29.
Johnson was the night’s star, finishing with three passing touchdowns (60 yards to Bryce, 19 to Jones, 12 to Bryce) and two rushing scores (12 and 15 yards). According to MaxPreps, he completed 12 of 18 passes for 189 yards and rushed for 62 yards on eight carries. Palmer’s three interceptions were a career high, while Marble was near-perfect, going 5-for-6 on PATs.
For ALA-Ironwood, Hinchcliff led the way with two rushing touchdowns, and Castaneda’s long pass to Flores showcased their big-play potential. However, the Warriors couldn’t overcome Thatcher’s defensive pressure and timely takeaways, as ALA-Ironwood turned the ball over four times.
The Eagles’ ground game averaged 5.8 yards per carry, totaling 174 yards, while their defense held ALA-Ironwood to 3.9 yards per rush. Thatcher’s ability to convert on third downs (6-of-11) and dominate time of possession (28:15 to 19:45) proved crucial in wearing down the Warriors.
The Eagles (1-0) will next travel to face the Apache Junction Prospectors on Friday, Aug. 28, starting at 7 p.m. The Prospectors fell in their season opener, 7-48, to the San Tan Charter Roadrunners. If Friday’s opener is any indication, Thatcher’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity makes them a force to watch in the 3A East region.
