THATCHER, Ariz. — In a pivotal late-season showdown, No. 7-ranked Pusch Ridge Christian Academy upset top-ranked Thatcher 22-7 on Friday night at Eastern Arizona College, shaking up the playoff picture with just one week left in the regular season.
PRCA (8-1) rode a stellar performance from senior quarterback Jacob Newborn, who completed 20 of 28 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Newborn’s first big play came on a 72-yard touchdown pass to Elliott Lovett in the first quarter, putting the Lions ahead 6-0. A 27-yard field goal by Tyler Nolan extended the lead to 9-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Thatcher (7-2), who entered the game ranked No. 1 in the state, struggled to find offensive rhythm against a relentless PRCA defense. Senior quarterback Chad Johnson completed just 8 of 19 passes for 23 yards, while Paxton Echols added an 11-yard completion late in the game. Thatcher’s offense was held scoreless in the first half, largely due to PRCA’s aggressive defense, which recorded 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, led by standout performances from Charles Palmer (7 tackles, 1 sack) and Aaron Kenworthy (11 tackles, 1 sack).
PRCA extended their lead in the third quarter when Newborn connected with Erik Rafacz on a 15-yard touchdown pass to make it 15-0. Newborn added his third touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter, hitting Nate Campa for a 27-yard score to push the lead to 22-0.
Thatcher’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter when Tristun Brown broke free for a 41-yard rushing touchdown, finishing with 56 yards on six carries. Kody Bingham contributed 50 rushing yards on 11 carries, but the Eagles’ offense was largely contained, finishing with just 145 total yards (111 rushing, 34 passing).
Lovett was the key playmaker for PRCA, hauling in nine catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. The Lions’ defense consistently pressured Thatcher throughout the game, holding them in check and securing a critical win that will influence playoff seeding.
Thatcher will travel to face Morenci (3-6) in the final week of the regular season, while PRCA will host Safford (4-5).
