THATCHER, Ariz. – Thatcher remained unbeaten with a 31-13 win over Valley Christian on Friday night at Eastern Arizona College, using a balanced offensive attack and a late interception return to secure the victory.
Thatcher quarterback Chad Johnson completed 8 of 11 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing touchdown. Running back Kody Bingham carried the ball 18 times for 159 yards and a score as the Eagles (3-0) controlled the pace of the game with 197 rushing yards.
The Eagles struck first, taking a 6-0 lead with 9:31 left in the first quarter on a 48-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to wide receiver Will Chidester. The extra point attempt was blocked.
Valley Christian (1-2) responded quickly. Trojans quarterback Isaiah Macias connected with Chris Shoenhals for an 18-yard touchdown with 4:34 remaining in the first quarter. The successful PAT gave Valley Christian a 7-6 lead.
Thatcher took the lead back early in the second quarter when Trustun Brown scored on an 8-yard run. The Eagles’ two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving them ahead 12-7. Johnson added to Thatcher’s lead with a 2-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds left in the half. The PAT was good, and the Eagles went into halftime up 19-7.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but Valley Christian’s defense cut the deficit in the fourth. With 8:53 left, the Trojans recovered a Johnson fumble and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. The missed extra point kept Thatcher ahead 19-13.
Thatcher answered with 1:21 remaining, as Bingham powered in an 8-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 25-13. In the final seconds, Valley Christian reached the Eagles’ 2-yard line, but Paxton Echols intercepted a JR Gill pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown as time expired, sealing the victory.
Thatcher’s defense was dominant, holding Valley Christian to just 30 yards rushing. The Trojans’ quarterbacks combined to go 14 of 26 for 128 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Thatcher will travel to face Round Valley on Friday, while Valley Christian hosts Seton Catholic.
