azsportsnetwork

🏈 3A THATCHER TACKLE FOOTBALL: CLASS ACT & RESPECT! At a time when teams are running up scores because of a broken ranking system, last night we witnessed something refreshing from Thatcher HC Jones — a decision that showed CLASS, SPORTSMANSHIP, and RESPECT for his opponent! ALA-Ironwood came ready to battle, keeping the game close at 14-7 well into the contest. Both teams left it all on the field, but as the game wore on, Thatcher eventually pulled away to take a 28-7 lead late in the fourth quarter. With roughly a minute remaining, Thatcher was knocking on the door again, sitting at the ALA-IR 1-yard line. Instead of padding the scoreboard and stats, HC Jones instructed his quarterback to TAKE A KNEE and run out the clock! In that ONE decision, we learned a great deal about the man leading the Thatcher football program. It was more than sportsmanship. It was a TIP OF THE HAT to ALA-Ironwood HC Myron Blueford and his players. Almost as if to say: "Well done, sir. You and your young men battled hard, and you've earned my respect!" In an era when too many coaches are chasing points and statistics, it's refreshing to see a coach who understands that RESPECT means more than another touchdown! CLASS ACT, COACH JONES! And what a breath of fresh air for Arizona high school football!