Thatcher Eagles (2-0) vs. Valley Christian Trojans (1-1)
Game Date: Friday, September 6, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Eastern Arizona College
Radio: KATO 1230AM or GilaValleyCentral.net
Thatcher is set to host Valley Christian this Friday in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Eagles come into the game undefeated, having shut out their first two opponents while averaging 23.5 points per game. On the other side, Valley Christian has split their first two games and will be looking to replicate last season’s success against Thatcher, where they won both encounters by razor-thin margins—15-14 in the regular season and 21-20 in the playoffs.
Thatcher’s offense has been led by junior quarterback Chad Johnson, who has passed for 123 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 107 yards on the ground. The Eagles’ rushing attack has been their strong suit, amassing 462 yards over their first two games. Senior Jett Howard made a significant impact in his only game so far, rushing for 76 yards on just seven carries.
Defensively, Thatcher has been stout, allowing just 137 total yards per game. Senior Tristun Brown leads the team with 16 tackles, while junior Travis Larson has been a force on the defensive line with 2.0 sacks. The Eagles’ defense has also shown its ability to create turnovers, with interceptions from Chad Johnson and Jett Howard.
Valley Christian, known for their balanced attack, will look to challenge Thatcher’s defense. Last season, Last season against Thatcher, VC threw for 249 yards in the regular-season game. Valley Christian’s defense, which made key stops in last year’s playoff win, will need to be on point to slow down Thatcher’s multifaceted offense.
Key Players to Watch:
- Thatcher Eagles: Junior quarterback Chad Johnson has been a dual-threat leader for Thatcher, while senior Jett Howard will be crucial in the running game. On defense, Tristun Brown and Travis Larson will look to continue their strong starts.
- Valley Christian Trojans: With a history of strong performances against Thatcher, Valley Christian will rely on their experienced players to replicate last year’s success.
Thatcher aims to avenge last year’s close losses to Valley Christian and maintain their unbeaten record. Expect a competitive game as both teams have much to prove.
Duncan Wildkats (0-2) vs. San Manuel Miners (0-2)
Game Date: Friday, September 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Duncan High School
The Duncan Wildkats and San Manuel Miners both enter this matchup winless and eager to earn their first victory of the season. Duncan has put up solid offensive numbers but struggled on defense, while San Manuel is looking for a spark after two tough losses to open the season.
Duncan Wildkats Recap:
Duncan’s season started with a thrilling but high-scoring 98-66 loss to Lordsburg, NM, followed by a 58-36 defeat to Fort Thomas. Despite the losses, Duncan has shown its ability to score in bunches, led by an offense that has posted 102 points over two games. However, defense remains a concern, with the Wildkats allowing a staggering 156 points in those two contests.
San Manuel Miners Recap:
San Manuel is also looking for their first win, having dropped their first two games of the season. After falling 14-6 to Lincoln Prep in their opener, the Miners faced Ray last week and were defeated 32-12. The Miners’ offense has yet to break out, averaging just 9 points per game, while their defense has been inconsistent, giving up 46 points over the last two weeks.
Key Storylines:
- Duncan’s High-Powered Offense: Despite the 0-2 record, Duncan has showcased an explosive offense, scoring a combined 102 points in two games. If their defense can step up, Duncan has a strong chance to secure their first win.
- San Manuel’s Need for Offensive Improvement: The Miners have struggled to find their offensive rhythm, scoring just 18 points across their two games. San Manuel will need to generate more scoring opportunities if they hope to compete against Duncan’s high-scoring attack.
- Defensive Struggles: Both teams have shown vulnerabilities on defense, with Duncan giving up 98 points in Week 1 and San Manuel allowing 32 points to Ray last week. This game could come down to which defense can make key stops.
Game Outlook:
Duncan will rely on its potent offense to outscore San Manuel, while the Miners will look to find a way to contain the Wildkats’ explosive attack. San Manuel will need more offensive production to keep up with Duncan’s high-scoring ways. This matchup could come down to defensive stops and turnover battles, with both teams eager to secure their first win of the season.
Morenci Wildcats (1-1) vs. Benson Bobcats (1-1)
Game Date: Friday, September 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Morenci High School
The Morenci Wildcats and Benson Bobcats square off in a pivotal early-season matchup, with both teams looking to move above .500. Morenci comes off a 6-3 defensive battle against Round Valley, while Benson seeks to rebound after a narrow 22-20 loss to Phoenix Christian last week.
Morenci Wildcats Recap:
In last week’s defensive showdown, the Wildcats relied on big plays from both sides of the ball to secure a 6-3 victory over Round Valley. Derick Lytle completed 3-of-6 passes for 73 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lopez. On the ground, Morenci racked up 158 rushing yards, with Marcus Lucero leading the way with 60 yards. The defense forced three interceptions, including picks from Chris Lopez, Xavier Fernandez, and Isiah Cook, keeping Round Valley out of the end zone.
Benson Bobcats Recap:
Despite a strong second-half effort, Benson fell just short against Phoenix Christian, losing 22-20. Dawson Judd showcased his versatility, passing for 91 yards and a touchdown while adding 58 rushing yards and another score. Flint Davis also contributed with 84 rushing yards on 13 carries. Benson’s defense made plays of their own, intercepting two passes, with Judd and Rawley Evans each recording picks.
Last Season’s Matchup:
When these two teams met last season, Morenci dominated, earning a 35-0 shutout victory. Morenci’s rushing attack, led by Michael Casillas (who rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns in that contest), was unstoppable. With Casillas no longer in the mix, Benson looks to reverse their fortunes on their home field.
Key Players to Watch:
- Morenci Wildcats:
- Derick Lytle – 73 passing yards, 1 TD, 10 tackles
- Marcus Lucero – 60 rushing yards, 9 tackles
- Chris Lopez – 47 receiving yards, 1 TD, 2 interceptions
- Benson Bobcats:
- Dawson Judd – 91 passing yards, 1 TD, 58 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 interception
- Flint Davis – 84 rushing yards, 2 sacks
- Rawley Evans – 15 receiving yards, 1 interception
Game Outlook:
Morenci’s defensive prowess will be tested by Benson’s balanced offensive attack led by Judd. Both teams’ defenses have shown the ability to create turnovers, which could make this a tightly contested battle. Look for Morenci to rely on its physical rushing game to control the clock, while Benson will aim to capitalize on its versatile offensive threats.
Fort Thomas Apaches (2-0) vs. Lincoln Prep Lightning (2-0)
Game Date: Friday, September 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Prep
The Fort Thomas Apaches are riding high after a 58-36 victory over Duncan in their home opener on their newly named turf field, honoring longtime coach Wil Hinton. Now at 2-0 following their previous 36-20 win over Baboquivari, the Apaches will face the undefeated Lincoln Prep Lightning in what promises to be a key matchup early in the season.
Lincoln Prep is also off to a strong start, securing two decisive victories: a 14-6 win over San Manuel and a dominant 52-8 win over Joseph City. Senior quarterback Parker Filleman has led the charge for Lincoln Prep, throwing for 178 yards and rushing for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back Finn Dilley has been a standout with 217 rushing yards and four touchdowns, making him a crucial part of their offensive success.
Fort Thomas has shown its own offensive power, with two convincing wins under their belt. While individual player stats are not available, the Apaches’ balanced attack has proven effective, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into this important matchup.
Key Players to Watch:
- Lincoln Prep Lightning: Senior quarterback Parker Filleman (178 passing yards, 85 rushing yards, 2 total TDs) and senior running back Finn Dilley (217 rushing yards, 4 TDs) will be pivotal in their offense.
- Fort Thomas Apaches: While individual stats are not available, the Apaches’ 58-36 and 36-20 victories suggest a balanced offense and solid defense.
Both teams enter this game undefeated, making this an exciting clash as one team looks to keep its perfect record intact.
Safford Bulldogs (1-1) vs. Florence Gophers (2-0)
Game Date: Friday, September 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Safford High School
The Safford Bulldogs will debut their new turf field this Friday night as they host the undefeated Florence Gophers. The two teams are tied 3-3 in their matchups since 2016, but Safford is eager to break the tie and take advantage of their home-field advantage.
Safford is coming off a gritty 14-7 win over Pima. Junior quarterback Jevyn Elliott has shown poise, completing 66.7% of his passes and posting a QB rating of 149.3. His primary target, senior wide receiver Cole Goodman, leads the team with 70.5 receiving yards per game and has already scored two touchdowns this season. On the ground, senior Jarett Jurado has been the workhorse, averaging 41.0 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, Safford has been stout. Senior Xavier Owens leads the team with 10.5 tackles per game and has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. Junior David Cruz and senior Carlos Arbizo have also been key contributors, with Arbizo leading the team with three interceptions.
Florence, on the other hand, brings a balanced and potent offense. Senior running back Malik Smith is the centerpiece, averaging 123.5 rushing yards per game and scoring three touchdowns so far. Senior quarterback Logan Stenson has been a dual threat, averaging 94.0 rushing yards per game while also completing 65.2% of his passes. Stenson has accounted for three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. Junior wide receiver Wyatt Stenson has been effective in the passing game, leading the team with 87.0 receiving yards per game.
Florence’s defense, while less dominant statistically, has key playmakers. Junior Zayden Cundiff leads the team with 4.0 tackles per game, and senior Michon Deal has registered a sack. Florence’s defense will need to step up to contain Safford’s balanced attack.
Key Players to Watch:
- Safford Bulldogs: Senior wide receiver Cole Goodman and quarterback Jevyn Elliott will look to continue their strong connection on offense, while senior Xavier Owens will anchor the defense with his pass-rushing prowess.
- Florence Gophers: Senior running back Malik Smith and quarterback Logan Stenson will be critical in leading Florence’s offense. Junior wide receiver Wyatt Stenson will also play a key role in the passing game.
With Safford eager to make a statement on their new turf and Florence aiming to keep their unbeaten streak alive, this game is set to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have playmakers on both sides of the ball, making this matchup one to watch.
