Staff Reports
APACHE JUNCTION – On a rare Thursday night appearance, the Thatcher Eagles delivered a commanding performance in Apache Junction, shutting out the Prospectors 47-0 in a non-conference football game
The Eagles (2-0 conference, 2-0 overall) showcased their prowess on both sides of the ball, leveraging a potent offense and a stifling defense to secure the lopsided victory.
The Eagles traveled to face the Apache Junction Prospectors, a 4A Conference team, in a matchup that highlighted the Eagles’ depth and preparation. They controlled the game from start to finish, leaving the Prospectors unable to find their rhythm.
Thatcher’s offense was firing so much on all cylinders that backup quarterback Taylor Tufden had more throws than starter Chad Johnson, who did run for 53 yards and a TD. Tufden finished 3-4 for 22 yards and had 49 rushing yards on 3 carries and a TD, while Johnson had just one completion on 3 attempts for 10 yards.
Ryan Jones led the Eagles’ rushing attack with 63 yards on just 4 carries and hit paydirt twice. Jones also had five tackles and a defended pass.
Thatcher’s defense was the story of the night, pitching a shutout against an Apache Junction team that struggled to move the ball. The Eagles’ defensive unit was relentless, stifling the Prospectors’ offense and preventing any significant scoring threats.
Thatcher will have its toughest test of the season so far with a big non-conference game on the road on Friday when they face off against the Benjamin Franklin Chargers (2-0) of the 3A Metro Region. Benjamin Franklin defeated Dysart 49-10 in week 1 and the River Valley Dust Devils 24-18 last Friday. The game will take place at Benjamin Franklin High School, located at 18864 E. Geremann Rd. in Queen Creek, and is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
In other local high school action:
PIMA 42 TUBA CITY 0
With their game against Tombstone cancelled, Pima headed up north to the dome in Round Valley, Eagar, and defeated the Tuba City Warriors 42-0.
The Roughriders (1-1 conference, 1-1 overall) will open play at their new football field at their new high school on Friday, Sept. 5, against the Round Valley Elks (2-0 conference, 2-0 overall), starting at 7 p.m.
BLUE RIDGE 30 SAFFORD 14
The Safford Bulldogs (0-1 conference, 0-2 overall) were tied at the half but eventually fell 14-30 to Blue Ridge.
Safford will next host the Seton Catholic Prep Sentinels (0-1 conference, 1-1 overall) on Friday, Sept. 5, starting at 7 p.m.
TANQUE VERDE 24 MORENCI 16
The Morenci Wildcats (0-1 conference, 1-1 overall) fell to the Tanque Verde Hawks 16-24.
Morenci will next visit the Willcox Cowboys (1-1 conference, 1-1 overall) on Friday, Sept. 5, starting at 7 p.m.
DUNCAN 70 FORT THOMAS 28
The Duncan Wildkats (1-0 region, 1-0 conference, 1-1 overall) defeated the Fort Thomas Apaches (1-1 region, 1-1 conference, 1-1 overall) 70-28.
Duncan will next travel to face the Valley Union Blue Devils on Friday, Sept. 5, starting at 7 p.m. The game will be played at Valley Union High School at 4088 W. Jefferson Rd. in Elfrida.
Fort Thomas will next host the Salome Frogs on Friday, Sept. 5, starting at 7 p.m.
