It was a clean sweep on the gridiron Friday night for Gila Valley football teams. Fort Thomas, Pima, Thatcher and Safford all picked up their first win of the season.
Safford 36 Wickenburg 8
It wasn’t pretty for the Bulldogs but it was effective. Safford’s defense dominated from the opening kickoff and held the Wranglers to just 112 total yards and forced 5 turnovers. Safford rushed for 198 yards, led by Robert White’s 106 yards and TD. Bulldog QB Mason Duros threw for 80 yards and a 2 TD’s as well. Safford will be at Thatcher on Friday.
Thatcher 29 Show Low 0
The Eagles could of easily folded their tent after their season opening loss to ALA-QC but instead they dug in their heels and shut out 3A Show Low. The Eagle offense is still has some work to do but were able to move the football enough to get the win. Defensively Thatcher dialed up the hits and wore down the Cougars in the 2nd half and added a pick 6 to seal the win. Thatcher will host Safford on Friday.
Pima 28 Willcox 24
The Roughriders fell just short last week to Arizona Lutheran in their opener. Friday night, they were able to move the ball early and often bouncing short runs into big gains. They led 22-12 at halftime. Willcox chipped away and added 2 second half scores to take the lead 24-22 with 7:22 left. The Cowboys held the lead until just under 3 minutes remaining when a punt snap went over the punter’s head and Pima recovered inside the 20 yard line. 5 minutes later, the ‘Riders capitalized on the turnover to take the lead and the win 28-24. Pima will travel to Alchesay on Friday.
Fort Thomas 52 Anthem Prep 50
Maybe the most surprising 0-2 start in the Gila Valley was out at Fort Thomas. The Apaches needed a win in week 3 and found one in a track meet with the Eagles. Fort Thomas has the ability to score with QB Todd Stringfellow and it looks like it started to click Friday night. Fort Thomas will host Winterhaven San Pasqual on Friday night.
