THATCHER — The Thatcher Eagles suffered their first setback of the season on Friday night, dropping a 38-0 decision to a dominant Benjamin Franklin Chargers squad at home.
Coming off a strong start to the season, the Eagles (2-1) struggled to find answers on both sides of the ball against the relentless offensive efficiency of the visiting Chargers (3-0).
Benjamin Franklin’s senior quarterback Gavin Wyler led a poised passing attack, completing 18 of 26 passes for 252 yards and 4 touchdowns. Wyler spread the ball effectively across the field, connecting with senior receiver Christian Sorenson for two scoring strikes (8 receptions, 86 yards) and throwing touchdown passes to Trent Dutkiewicz and Michael Kimball. On the ground, senior running back Aaron Dwiggins spearheaded the Chargers’ rushing attack, churning out 112 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Thatcher’s offense was held in check throughout the contest, managing 170 total yards on the night. Junior quarterback Kase Palmer went 4-for-12 passing for 68 yards and an interception, connecting with
Teagan Damron twice for a team-high 35 receiving yards, including an 18-yard pass. Senior Tufden Taylor led Thatcher’s ground attack with 52 rushing yards on 8 carries, while adding a 17-yard reception from Ryzer Jacques. Senior Josh Jones chipped in 19 yards on 5 carries alongside an 11-yard catch, and senior Ethan Hayes added 18 rushing yards on 5 touches.
Defensively, Thatcher put up a tough battle in the front seven, led by solid tackling performances from Hayes and Taylor, who recorded 9 total tackles each (6 solo for Hayes, 5 solo for Taylor). Senior Hudson Conrad added 6 tackles, while Ryzer Jacques applied pressure upfront with 3 quarterback hurries. However, Benjamin Franklin’s high-powered offense repeatedly capitalized on key opportunities to keep the game out of reach, while the Chargers’ defense logged 9 tackles for loss, a sack by Brody Whiting, and an interception by Kellin Coombs.
Special teams also proved decisive for the visitors; Chargers kicker Nate Stineman converted all five extra-point attempts, booted a 41-yard field goal, and recorded touchbacks on all seven of his kickoffs, routinely pinning Thatcher deep in their own territory.
With the non-region loss in the books, Thatcher drops to 2-1 on the season. The Eagles will look to regroup, address key areas in practice, and regain their winning momentum as they prepare for next week’s home matchup on Thursday, Sept. 10, against the Florence Gophers (0-3).
Friday Night Lights Scoreboard:
Benjamin Franklin 38, Thatcher 0 – Thatcher will host Florence on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Seton Catholic Prep 22, Safford 6: Safford will next host Winslow on Friday, Sept. 11.
Round Valley 56, Pima 0: The Roughriders will next travel to Willcox to face the Cowboys on Friday, Sept. 11.
Willcox 43, Morenci 12: The Wildcats will next travel to Bisbee on Friday, Sept. 11.
Fort Thomas 18, Baboquivari 8: The Apaches will next host Desert Heights Prep on Friday, Sept. 11.
Duncan 52, Sedona Red Rock 18: The Wildkats will next host St. David on Friday, Sept. 11.
