After waiting through State benchmarks and COVID-19 restrictions, Arizona High School football kicks off tonight.
The only game in the Gila Valley will feature 2A Pima hosting 3A Thatcher. This will be just the 34th meeting between the two schools since 1934. The Eagles are 32-2 in the series. The last Roughrider win came in 1938. The same year Pima was named “Valley Champions” by beating Thatcher, Safford and Fort Thomas. A trophy is displayed in the Pima trophy case to commemorate that accomplishment.
To another story line to the game, Jim Hughes, takes over as head coach for Pima. This is his second stint at Pima. He was the head coach in the early 90’s as well, before taking over at Thatcher, where he won the 1998 2A State Championship.
Thatcher will head into their first game as a 3A team with new coach Dan Jones. This is first head coaching job but spent nearly a decade in the Phoenix area coaching on 5A and 6A staffs. He also played his prep football for the late Paul Moro at Blue Ridge.
You can hear the live radio broadcast of this game at 7pm on KATO 1230 AM in the Gila Valley or online at by clicking here.
Pima High announced there will be no crowd size restrictions tonight but do require you to wear a mask when entering the gate.
In other local action Morenci will host North Pointe Prep. Duncan will be on the road at Tempe Prep and Fort Thomas will be at Cicero Prep.
Safford has a bye after Willcox had to quarantine their football team due to COVID-19.
