SAFFORD, Ariz. – The Safford Bulldogs and Thatcher Eagles will renew their storied rivalry this Friday night, but this year’s matchup has added stakes. With Safford fighting for a playoff spot and Thatcher eyeing a high seed, both teams have plenty to play for in this highly anticipated showdown.
Safford Bulldogs: Playoff Hopes on the Line
The Safford Bulldogs (4-4) enter the game ranked #16 in the state, clinging to the final playoff spot as they look to secure their postseason future. With only 16 teams making the playoffs, every game counts for Safford, and a win against Thatcher would go a long way in solidifying their position. Coming off a 36-6 loss to Round Valley, the Bulldogs will need to rebound quickly to avoid slipping out of contention.
Safford’s offense has shown flashes of potential, led by sophomore quarterback Dane Jacobson and senior Carlos Arbizo, who combined for 77 passing yards and a touchdown last week. Senior Cole Goodman provided the lone touchdown in that game with a 15-yard reception, and senior Cole Yentsch contributed with a 40-yard run. The Bulldogs’ rushing game will need to be more consistent, as they finished last week’s game with 113 total rushing yards.
On defense, senior Jace Jameson led with 13 tackles, while seniors Nathaniel Rodriguez and Adrien Casillas added 12 and 9 tackles, respectively. The Bulldogs will need a strong defensive performance to contain Thatcher’s high-powered offense.
Thatcher Eagles: Eyeing a High Playoff Seed
The Thatcher Eagles (6-1) come into the game ranked #2 in the state, already securing a spot in the playoffs but with their sights set on a top seed. With just one loss on the season, Thatcher has been dominant on both sides of the ball, and they’ll look to keep their momentum rolling in this rivalry clash.
Thatcher is coming off a 41-12 victory over Sabino, where junior quarterback Chad Johnson completed 6 of 8 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. Senior Wyatt Nicholas was the top target, catching two passes for 78 yards, including a touchdown. However, it was the ground game that stole the show, as senior Kody Bingham exploded for 177 yards and 4 touchdowns on just 10 carries. Thatcher totaled 294 rushing yards and will likely lean on that strength again this week.
Defensively, the Eagles held Sabino to just 12 points and forced two fumbles. Senior Tristun Brown and junior Ryan Jones led the way with 9 and 8 tackles, respectively, while Thatcher’s defense also recorded two sacks. The Eagles’ defense will be looking to apply pressure and force turnovers to limit Safford’s offense.
Rivalry Stakes
This marks the 71st meeting between the Bulldogs and Eagles, one of Arizona’s most heated high school football rivalries.
For Safford, a win could help them secure their spot in the playoffs, while Thatcher looks to maintain their high seed as the postseason approaches. With both teams looking to add another chapter to this historic rivalry, Friday night’s game promises to be intense, with plenty on the line for both sides.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and fans from both communities will be out in full force to cheer on their teams in this crucial game. You can hear the game live on KATO 1230AM.
Series by the Numbers
- Overall Meetings: 70
- Safford Wins: 35
- Thatcher Wins: 30
- Ties: 5
- First Meeting: 1937
- Safford’s Last Win: 2015 (26-6)
- Thatcher’s Current Win Streak: 8 games (2016-present)
- Largest Margin of Victory (Safford): 65-0 in 1946
- Largest Margin of Victory (Thatcher): 55-0 in 2021
