Thatcher, Ariz. – The Florence Gophers (10-1) and the Thatcher Eagles (9-2) meet in a high-stakes 3A state quarterfinal matchup Friday at 7 p.m. at Eastern Arizona College. Both teams come off convincing playoff victories, with Florence defeating Wickenburg 21-7 and Thatcher overpowering Gilbert Christian 56-14 last week.
Florence’s victory was driven by its balanced offensive approach. Senior running back Malik Smith led the way with 158 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown, while senior quarterback Logan Stenson contributed 79 rushing yards and two scores, completing 9 of 14 passes for 70 yards. Florence’s defense was led by standout junior linebacker Zayden Cundiff, who recorded 20 total tackles. Senior Malik Smith added to the defensive effort with 13 tackles.
Thatcher enters the game after a dominant performance over Gilbert Christian. Junior quarterback Chad Johnson passed for 89 yards, while the Eagles’ ground game exploded for 289 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Senior running backs Tristun Brown and Will Chidester combined for six rushing scores, with Brown accounting for 87 yards. Defensively, Thatcher was stout, limiting Gilbert Christian to just 14 points and capitalizing on key plays, including an interception by junior Ryan Jones.
What to Watch For
- Ground Game Showdown: Both Florence and Thatcher have excelled on the ground all season. Watch for Florence’s Malik Smith and Thatcher’s Kody Bingham and Tristun Brown to be pivotal in establishing tempo and controlling possession. The team that dominates the line of scrimmage will have a significant advantage.
- Defensive Playmakers: Florence’s Zayden Cundiff and Thatcher’s Ryan Jones lead their respective defenses in tackles and big plays. Expect these players to be critical in stopping the run and creating momentum-shifting turnovers.
- Quarterback Efficiency: While both teams focus heavily on the run, quarterbacks Logan Stenson (Florence) and Chad Johnson (Thatcher) will need to make timely passes to keep defenses honest. Look for how effectively each can capitalize on play-action opportunities.
- Turnover Battle: With playoff stakes high, mistakes could prove costly. Florence’s ability to force turnovers and Thatcher’s disciplined defense may play a crucial role in determining the game’s outcome.
The winner advances to the 3A semifinals, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally on KATO 1230 AM and streamed live on the Thatcher Booster Club YouTube Channel.
