Thatcher struggled to an 0-4 start but has won two games in a row in conference play.
The biggest difference has been moving junior Tyler Bryce from quarterback to tailback. He has 411 yards in two starts.
“You could see on that first play from scrimmage we had in the second half. (When) he hit the hole, he hit it hard and he was gone. That’s the kind of tailback we need to have.”
Conrad was referring to a 69-yard touchdown by Bryce at the 9:32 mark in the third quarter. Bryce exploded through the hole and showcased breakaway speed on his way to the end zone.
Thatcher’s defense didn’t tackle well in the first half, according to Conrad, but allowed only one touchdown all night and completely shut down the Pumas in the second half.
Bryce (defensive back), Derek Aaron (linebacker) and Dayton Barney (defensive end) had especially impressive nights on defense.
Bryce’s absence at quarterback means junior Teren Bingham is now the starter. Bingham put himself on the highlight reel with a 60-yard touchdown run down the Bisbee sideline in the second quarter.
He also completed 4-9 passes for 71 yards. A couple of dropped passes by receivers erased what could have been big plays in the passing game.
“He’s less panicked now than he was,” Conrad said of Bingham. “I think he has a really good temperament for (the quarterback position), and he throws the ball pretty well.”
Conrad isn’t ready to say his team has turned the corner, but a game Oct. 10 against Tempe Prep in Chandler might tell him more.
The Knights (3-2) already have a 14-0 win over Arizona Lutheran Academy and a 42-16 win over Pima this season.
“They’re a metro team. They’re probably going to be a good contest for us,” Conrad said. “It will be a good opportunity to see where we are.”
The Eagles (2-4) appear to have a solid defense. If the offense has finally found its rhythm, Thatcher could make a serious run in its last four games.
Thatcher plays Tempe Prep at Valley Christian High School on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.




Comments
39 comment(s)THS1Danny wrote on Oct 19, 2009 2:02 PM:
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