A dream season came up just short for the Fort Thomas Apaches when they lost a barn burner to Joseph City in 3 Overtimes, 66-58 in the opening round of the 1A playoffs. The Apaches finished the season 6-3 and are looking to build on that with the core of their team back this season and Coach Bracken Walker entering his 4th season.
Offensively the Apaches have three returning senior offensive lineman, Christian Titla, Jeremiah Bullis and Jaden Preston, who have been starting since their sophomore year and a returning quarterback, Todd Stringfellow, who threw for 2450 yards and 25 touchdowns, he also rushed for 446 yards and 11 scores. Leading rusher Zack Walker returns as well. He had 605 yards an 7 TD’s last season.
Defensively Fort Thomas returns a strong DL led by NG Colby Pino and a strong LB group led by Desmond Cheney and Zack Walker.
Coach Walker doesn’t shy away from the glaring hole on offense with the graduation of Drake Olivar. “Offensively we need to find a wide receiver who can stretch the field and defensively we need to find some safeties who can cover and help in the run game,” said Walker. Olivar is heading to Minnesota-Morris to continue his football career.
Walker and the Apaches have big goals this season. “Our first goal is to win a region championship. Our first game is a region game against Baboquivari. So even though it is the standard answer that the first game is the most important, in order to reach our goals this year the first game is a must win.”
Fort Thomas Schedule
August 23rd @ Baboquivari
August 30th vs Salome
September 7th @ Anthem Prep
September 13th vs San Pasqual Valley
September 20th vs St. David
September 27th @ Valley Union
October 4th @ Duncan
October 10th vs Joseph City (Thursday)
October 18th vs Cibecue
