Thatcher, Ariz. – The Thatcher Eagles leaned on a potent rushing attack and stifling defense to defeat the Florence Gophers 38-9 Friday night in a 3A quarterfinal showdown at Eastern Arizona College. With the victory, Thatcher extends its winning streak over Florence to five games dating back to 2004 and advances to the state semifinals.
Thatcher set the tone in the second quarter when quarterback Chad Johnson connected with Wyatt Nicholas for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, giving the Eagles an early 6-0 lead. Florence responded with a 23-yard field goal by Darren Swain, narrowing the margin to 6-3.
Moments later, Thatcher’s Kody Bingham ignited the momentum with an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run. The Eagles added a two-point conversion to extend their lead to 14-3. Bingham, who finished with 220 yards on 13 carries, struck again with a 10-yard touchdown run later in the quarter. As time expired in the first half, Luke Marble drilled a 36-yard field goal, giving Thatcher a commanding 24-3 halftime lead.
In the fourth quarter, Johnson showcased his dual-threat ability with an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the Eagles’ lead to 31-3. Florence found the end zone when Logan Stenson connected with Wyatt Stenson for a 39-yard touchdown pass. The Gophers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, making it 31-9. Thatcher capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run by Tristun Brown, and the ensuing extra point made the final score 38-9.
Johnson completed 7 of 10 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown while adding 36 yards and a score on the ground. Nicholas led Thatcher’s receivers with three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles amassed 373 rushing yards as part of a dominant offensive performance.
Thatcher’s defense pressured Florence quarterback Logan Stenson throughout, recording 10 sacks. Stenson finished 6 of 13 for 66 yards with a touchdown and one interception. Florence’s star running back Malik Smith was limited to just 40 yards on 13 carries. The Gophers finished with 101 rushing yards and 66 passing yards.
Thatcher will now face undefeated ALA – West Foothills in the 3A semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. at Mesa High School.
Scoring Summary
2nd Quarter
- THA – Chad Johnson 25-yard pass to Wyatt Nicholas (PAT blocked), 10:17
- FLO – Darren Swain 23-yard FG, 6:12
- THA – Kody Bingham 80-yard run (2-point conversion good), 6:01
- THA – Bingham 10-yard run (PAT good), 1:37
- THA – Luke Marble 36-yard FG, 0:02
4th Quarter
- THA – Chad Johnson 8-yard run (PAT good), 10:08
- FLO – Logan Stenson 39-yard pass to Wyatt Stenson (2-point conversion failed), 7:30
- THA – Tristun Brown 1-yard run (PAT good), 2:55
