THATCHER, Ariz. — Chad Johnson accounted for five touchdowns as Thatcher defeated ALA–Ironwood 41–29 in a nonconference game Friday night at Eastern Arizona College.
Johnson threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more, including a 60-yard strike to Jackson Bryce just before halftime that gave the Eagles a 21–14 lead.
Thatcher (1-0) capitalized on two second-half interceptions by Ryan Jones. Johnson connected with Bryce again from 12 yards out and added a 15-yard rushing score to push the lead to 41–16 in the fourth quarter.
ALA–Ironwood (0-1) opened the game with an early touchdown and got two rushing scores from Shawn Hinchcliff. Matthew Bartolo added a late 6-yard touchdown run after a Thatcher fumble, but the Warriors’ rally fell short.
Bryce finished with two touchdown receptions, while Ryan Jones caught a 19-yard scoring pass for Thatcher. Kicker Luke Marble converted five of six extra points.
Thatcher will hit the road next Thursday to play Apache Junction at 7 pm. The game will be aired live on KATO 1230AM.
