Eagles win 3rd in a row

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:16 AM MST

The conference schedule didn’t have a great start for Thatcher, but the Eagles are rolling of late.

After a 36-7 loss to Benson in their first 2A East game of the season, many were ready to pile dirt on the Eagles.

However, Thatcher has won three games in a row since that point, and the team is much improved.

Running back Brandon Bryce (#40) bumps chests with quarterback Teren Bingham during a home game Oct. 2. Thatcher is riding a three-game winning streak after beating Tempe Prep 28-7 in Chandler on Saturday night. Photo by Brian Wright

On Saturday night, the Eagles beat Tempe Prep 28-7 at Valley Christian High School in Chandler.

Junior halfback Tyler Bryce had a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and junior quarterback Teren Bingham tossed a 30-yard score to senior Adam Russell in the second to put Thatcher up 14-0 at halftime.

Thatcher’s defense played well throughout the game. It finished with five sacks (three by Ethan Bryce, two by Dayton Barney) and two interceptions (Caleb Phillips and Russell).

Defense has carried the Eagles during the three-game win streak. Thatcher has allowed just nine points per game in that stretch.

The offense didn’t pass the ball much against Tempe Prep but ran for 158 yards on 27 carries.

“We ran a lot of option and outside veer,” Thatcher coach Don Conrad said.

Bryce had 78 yards and a score, and Dallin Stevens and Shawn Ageman each had 11-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.

Conrad said the offense missed some option pitches that could have resulted in big plays or touchdowns.

Thatcher (3-4) sits at No. 16 (last playoff spot) in the AIA power rankings.

Conrad said his team probably won’t receive or deserve a playoff spot unless it wins its last three games of the season.

Thatcher hosts Pima on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

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1 comment(s)

Safford Fan wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:41 PM:

" Congratulations on your winning streak! Both teams are doing really well keep playing Dogs & Eagles "

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