Staff Reports
THATCHER – The Thatcher Eagles (6-0 region, 9-1 overall) capped off a flawless region finish with a commanding 42-14 victory over the Coolidge Bears on Friday, Oct. 31, at Larry Delbridge Stadium, extending their winning streak to seven games and clinching the No. 4 seed in the 3A state playoffs. Thatcher enters the postseason riding high, averaging 36.1 points per game while holding opponents to just 11.9.
Thatcher’s relentless ground attack and opportunistic defense paved the way for victory. The Eagles were led by seniors Chad Johnson at quarterback and Brett Jones, who had two rushing TDs. Both players also play significant roles on defense as defensive backs and linebackers, respectively.
The Eagles’ bruising run game also featured senior running back Josiah Matagaono, and the Eagles overwhelmed Coolidge from the outset, piling up a 34-0 lead by halftime after touchdowns by Jones, Brig Romney, Smith Mangum, Johnson, and Jackson Bryce.
After a series of penalties, Jones punched it in on 4th and goal from the 2 to break the ice with 8:03 left in the first.
Johnson then connected with Dylan Riney on a 31-yard touchdown toss with 5:11 still left in the opening quarter.
Smith Mangum finished a drive with a 5-yard TD on third down on the first play of the second quarter to make it 21-0.
That was followed by a Chad Johnson 6-yard quarterback keeper with 9:16 left in the second to make it 27-0. And with less than two minutes left in the half, Jackson Bryce scored on a first and goal from the 7 to make it 34-0 to head into halftime after the successful Luke Marble extra point.
Thatcher’s defense, anchored by senior linebacker Ryan Jones, who had two interceptions, stifled any hopes of an upset.
Coolidge, finishing 5-5 and 2-4 in region play, unraveled under a barrage of penalties that plagued their effort. Junior quarterback Kenneth Franklin completed 7 of 18 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Jayce Moore went 6 of 13 for 55 yards, a score, and two picks in relief. Sophomore Dayce Cade led the Bears’ ground game with 10 carries for 63 yards, and senior Kelshawn Dixon-Wright hauled in seven receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, providing the lone bright spots in a 295-yard offensive output. Defensively, Dixon-Wright paced Coolidge with eight tackles, but it wasn’t enough to contain Thatcher’s balanced assault.
Eagles Aim to Ground No. 13 Gophers in Home Opener
With the regular season in the rearview, all eyes turn to Friday, Nov. 7, when Thatcher hosts the No. 13-seeded Florence Gophers in the opening round of the 3A state playoffs at Eastern Arizona College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with digital tickets available via GoFan.
Florence (6-4 overall, 4-2 in region) enters as a gritty underdog, boasting a potent rushing attack that averages 168 yards per game and a defense that generates 3.4 sacks nightly. The Gophers have been road warriors, winning four of five away games, and their balanced offense (140.7 passing yards/game) could test Thatcher’s secondary if junior wideout Hudson Conrad and the coverage unit aren’t sharp. Recent form shows Florence scoring 26.2 points per outing, with a strong third-quarter surge (6.5 points average), but they’ve struggled in big spots, going 0-1 against common foes like Thatcher in head-to-head history.
Thatcher, meanwhile, is the favorite for good reason. Undefeated at home (5-0) and outscoring opponents 361-119 on the year, the Eagles’ high-powered offense – which erupted for 42 points in last week’s finale at Coolidge – will look to exploit Florence’s 16.8 points allowed per game. Expect Jones, Matagaono, and sophomore Ryker Romero to pound the rock early, while Johnson’s dual-threat ability (passing and rushing) keeps defenses honest. On defense, look for Ryan Jones and the front seven to pressure Florence’s line, aiming to limit big plays.
Thatcher defeated Florence 21-18 during their regular-season meeting on Sept. 12 in Florence.
