THATCHER, Ariz. — In a tightly contested game Friday night at Eastern Arizona College, the Thatcher Eagles suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the undefeated Yuma Catholic Shamrocks 19-12.
Thatcher (4-1) came out strong, scoring first with 1:13 left in the first quarter when quarterback Chad Johnson found Kody Bingham for a 19-yard touchdown. However, the Eagles were plagued by special teams issues, as Yuma Catholic blocked the extra point attempt, keeping the score 6-0.
Yuma Catholic (4-0) responded in the second quarter, with quarterback Scout Reese connecting on a 24-yard touchdown pass to Darryl Coleman. The extra point was good, giving the Shamrocks a 7-6 lead. Reese added another touchdown with a 3-yard run later in the quarter, but Yuma Catholic missed the extra point, leaving the score at 13-6 going into halftime.
The turning point came in the third quarter. With Thatcher in field goal range, Yuma Catholic’s defense came up big. Shaun Carter returned a blocked Thatcher field goal attempt 75 yards for a touchdown, extending Yuma Catholic’s lead to 19-6. Thatcher’s defense held strong after that, preventing any further scoring from the Shamrocks.
In the fourth quarter, Chad Johnson once again stepped up for the Eagles, leading a drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown run of his own. But the special teams struggles continued, as the extra point was blocked for the second time, keeping the score 19-12 with just over four minutes left.
Despite the loss, Johnson had a solid game, completing 16 of 24 passes for 145 yards, including one touchdown and two interceptions. He added 71 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Kody Bingham contributed with 40 rushing yards and three receptions for 25 yards, including his first-quarter touchdown.
Thatcher’s defense played tough, but Yuma Catholic’s offense and special teams made the key plays when it mattered most. Senior linebacker Rocky Stallworth led Yuma Catholic’s defense with 22 tackles and a sack.
With the loss, Thatcher moves to 4-1 on the season and will have a week off before they travel to face Show Low in a crucial away matchup next week. Yuma Catholic, now 4-0, will continue their undefeated streak as they visit Arizona College Prep.
Game Summary:
- 1Q, Thatcher: Chad Johnson 19-yard TD pass to Kody Bingham (Kick blocked)
- 2Q, Yuma Catholic: Scout Reese 24-yard TD pass to Darryl Coleman (Kick good)
- 2Q, Yuma Catholic: Scout Reese 3-yard TD run (Kick no good)
- 3Q, Yuma Catholic: Shaun Carter 75-yard return of a blocked field goal (2-point conversion failed)
- 4Q, Thatcher: Chad Johnson 18-yard TD run (Kick blocked)
