APACHE JUNCTION — The Thatcher Eagles followed up their high-scoring Week 1 victory with an even more complete performance on Thursday night, shutting out Apache Junction 47-0 on the road.
After putting up 49 points in their opener against ALA–Ironwood, the Eagles showed no signs of slowing down. Senior running back Ryan Jones wasted little time, finding the end zone from seven yards out on the opening drive. Just a minute later, Tanner Smith electrified the crowd with a 50-yard punt return touchdown. Jones struck again late in the first quarter on a 25-yard run, giving Thatcher a commanding 20-0 lead.
The second quarter brought more fireworks. Quarterback Chad Johnson ripped off a 53-yard touchdown run, then Hudson Conrad added a defensive score on a 10-yard interception return. Senior Josiah Matagaono powered in from eight yards to make it 41-0 at halftime.
QB Tufden Taylor capped the night with a 43-yard touchdown run midway through the third, sealing the 47-0 win.
Thatcher’s offense leaned on its ground game, piling up 244 rushing yards at nearly 10 yards per carry. Jones (63 yards, 2 TDs), Johnson (53 yards, 1 TD), and Taylor (49 yards, 1 TD) all broke big plays, while seven different Eagles reached the end zone across offense, defense, and special teams.
Defensively, Thatcher was just as dominant. The Eagles swarmed to the ball for 74 total tackles, forced two fumbles, picked off a pass, and limited Apache Junction to just a few first downs.
Now 2-0, Thatcher has outscored opponents 96-21 in its first two contests. But things won’t get any easier next week when the Eagles travel to take on preseason No. 1 Benjamin Franklin on September 5.
